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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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I 



BIBLE HISTORY; 



TO WHICH IS ADDED 



A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 



FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS. 



BY THE AUTHOR OF 



LESSONS IN BIBLE^ HISTORY, ETC, 



WITH THE APPROBATION OF 

HIS EMINENCE JOHN, CARDINAL McCLOSKEY, 

A rckbiskop of New York. 






NEW YORK: 
P. O'SHEA, AGENT, 

37 BARCLAY STREET. 

1879- 






**$;; 



Copyright, 1879, ty p > O'SHEA, Agt. 



Smith &, McDougal, Electrotypebs, 
82 BeekmaD St., N. Y. 



rJ 



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PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. 



THE Lessons in Bible History by the author of this 
book met with the warm approval of his Eminence 
the Cardinal Archbishop of New York, and of many 
other distinguished prelates. 

It met with a no less cordial welcome from the teachers 
of Bible history, in our colleges and academies, who 
found in it a work so complete that no important detail 
was omitted, and so interesting to pupils that its study 
had become a pleasure and not a task. 

Indeed, so admirably has it fulfilled all the conditions 
of a text-book of Bible history that a distinguished re- 
viewer has pronounced it a model for all who undertake 
to write historical works for the. young. 

Many clergymen, however, having expressed to the 
publisher a desire to have for their parochial schools a 
work equal in excellence with, but more brief than the 
" Lessons in Bible History/' he prevailed on the author 
to prepare the following work, in which are presented 
with wonderful clearness and conciseness all the impor- 
tant facts of the Bible narrative. 

It contains also what was much needed both for Sun- 
day schools and for day schools — a short but compre- 
hensive sketch of the history of the Church brought down 
to our own times. 

This has been accomplished in so masterly a manner 
that the brief History of the Chuech is, itself, one of 
the most valuable additions to our school literature that 
has hitherto been made. 



CONTENTS. 



FIRST PERIOD. 

From the Creation to the Calling op Abraham, 
(b.c. 4000-1918.) 

CHAP. PAGE 

I.— The Creation 7 

II.— The Fall of our First Parents 9 

III. — Death of Abel — Descendants of Cain and of Seth 12 

IV.— The Deluge (A. c. 2343) 14 

V.— The World after the Patriarchs 16 

SECOND PERIOD. 

From the Calling of Abraham (b. c. 1917) to the Delivery 
of the Israelites out of Egypt (b. c. 1487). 

VI. — Tower of Babel — Calling of Abraham. 19 

VII. — Sacrifice of Melchisedech — Destruction of Sodom. . . 21 

VIII. — Birth of Isaac — Ismael — Faith of Abraham 23 

IX. — Isaac and Jacob 26 

X. — Joseph and his Brethren 28 

XI. — Story of Joseph continued 29 

XII. — Joseph and his Brethren 31 

XIII. — Story of Joseph continued .... 33 

XIV. — Story of Joseph concluded — Jacob goes to Egypt, 

(b. c. 1703) 34 

XV. — Death of Jacob (A.c. 1719) — Persecution of the Israel- 
ites 36 

XVI.— Birth of Moses 38 

XVII. — Moses before Pharao 40 

THIRD PERIOD. 

From the Delivery of the Israelites out of Egypt 
(b.c. 1487) to the Separation of the Ten Tribes. 

XVILL— The Plagues of Egypt 42 

XIX. — Destruction of Pharao and his Hosts — Wanderings 

of the Israelites in the Desert 44 

XX. — God gives Water from a Dry Rock — Victory over the 

Amalecites 46 

XXI.— The Ten Commandments— The Golden Calf 48 

XXII.— The Tabernacle— Flight of Quails— Punishment of 

the Blasphemer 49 



VI ' COOTENTS. 

CHAP. PAGE 

XXIII. — Wandering in the Desert — Judgments of God. . . 51 

XXIV. — Balaam the Soothsayer — Death of Moses 53 

XXV. — The Israelites Enter the Promised Land — Victo- 
ries of Josue 55 

XXVI. — Israel Governed by Judges — Caleb — Debbora 57 

XXVII.— Gedeon— Samson (b. c. 1241) 59 

XXVIII.— Story of Ruth 61 

XXIX. — Birth of Samuel — Punishment of Heli and his 

Sons 63 

XXX.— The Ark Sent Back by the Philistines 65 

FOURTH PERIOD. 

ISKAEL GOVEKNED BY KlNGS. 

XXXI.— Saul, First King of Israel (b. c. 1091) 67 

XXXII.— Reign of Saul 68 

XXXIII.— Victory of David over Goliath 70 

XXXIV.— Reign of Saul continued 71 

XXXV.— Death of Saul 73 

XXXVI.— David, King of Israel 74 

XXXVII.— Reign of David concluded 76 

XXXVIII.— Reign of Solomon 79 

XXXIX.— Description of the Temple 80 

XL.— Dedication of the Temple (b. c. 999)— Fall and 

Death of Solomon (b. c. 971) 82 

FIFTH PERIOD. 

From the Separation of the Ten Tribes (b. c. 971) to the 
Death of the Machabees. 

XLI. — Roboam — Separation of the Ten Tribes (B.C. 971) 

— Idolatry of Jeroboam 84 

XLII. — Kings of Israel and Juda 86 

XLIII. — Preaching and Miracles of Elias 87 

XLI V.— Calling of Eliseus— Death of Naboth 89 

XLV. — Elias taken up to Heaven — Miracles of Eliseus . . 91 

XL VI. — Kings of Israel — Dispersion of the Ten Tribes. . 95 

XLVIL— Kings of Juda 97 

XLVIII. — Kings of Juda — Babylonian Captivity 100 

Biographical Books of the Old Testament. 

XLIX.— Patience of Job 103 

L. — Prophecy of Jonas 105 

LI.— History of Tobias 108 

LII. — History of Tobias concluded 1 10 

LIII.— History of Judith 112 

LIV.— The Prophet Daniel 115 

LV. — Hebrews in the Fiery Furnace — Punishment of 

Nabuchodonosor 117 



CONTENTS. Yll 

CHAP. P4.GE 

LVI. — Idol of Bel and the Dragon — Baltassar's Banquet. . 119 

LVII.— The Prophet Daniel concluded 121 

LVIIL— History of Esther 123 

LIX. — History of Esther concluded 125 

LX. — Return of the Jews from Captivity — Rebuilding of 

the Temple 128 

LXI. — Prosperity of Judea under the Persians — Mission 

of Heliodorus — Persecution of Antiochus 130 

LXIL— Wars of the Machabees 133 

LXIII. — From the Death of Simon (138 b. c.) to the coming 

of our Lord 135 

SIXTH PEEIOD. 
The Life of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
LXIV. — The Apparition of the Angel to Zachary — The An- 
nunciation .... 137 

LXV — The Blessed Virgin Visits her Cousin St. Elizabeth 

—Birth of St. John the Baptist 140 

LXVI. — The Birth of Christ — His Circumcision — He is Pre- 
sented in the Temple 142 

LXVII. — The Offerings of the Wise Men— Massacre of the 

Children of Bethlehem— The Flight into Egypt 145 
LXVIII. — The Child Jesus is found among the Doctors — The 

Mission of St. John the Baptist — Jesus is Baptized 147 
LXIX. — Farther Testimony of St. John — Calling of Simon 
Peter — Jesus Retires into the Desert — He is 

Tempted by Satan 149 

LXX. — The Marriage Feast of Cana— Sellers and Buyers 
Driven from the Temple — Nicodemus Comes to 

Jesus by Night 151 

LXXI. — The Samaritan Woman — Our Lord Teaches in the 

Synagogue of Nazareth. — Cure of the Paralytic. 153 
LXXII.— The Faith of the Centurion— Calling of St. Mat- 
thew — The Widow of Nairn— The Dinner in the 

House of Simon the Pharisee 155 

LXXITI. — Imprisonment and Death of St. John the Baptist. . 157 
LXXIV. — Jesus Sends his Disciples with Power to Preach, 
and Heal Diseases — Miracles of the Loaves and 

Fishes — St. Peter Walks upon the Sea 159 

LXXV. — The Sacrament of the Eucharist — Words of Prom- 
ise—St. Peter Confesses the Divinity of Christ — 

He is Appointed to Bule the Church 162 

LXXVL— Christ Stills the Tempest— He Answers the Phari- 
sees concerning the Sabbath — He is Transfigured 
— He Declares that Marriage is not to be Dis- 
solved — Christ Blesses Little Children 164 

LXX VII. — The Young Man who had Great Possessions — 

Martha and Mary — Lazarus Raised to Life .... 167 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

SEVENTH PERIOD. 
Public Instructions of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 

CHAP. PAGE 

LXXVIII.-From the Sermon on the Mount— The Eight 

Beatitudes 171 

That we should despise Riches and trust in the 

Providence of God 172 

LXXIX. — Instructions and Parables continued — The Re- 
ward Reserved for those who are Merciful in 

Thought and Action 173 

On Forgiveness of Injuries. — The Account which 
will be taken of Works of Charity in the Day 

of Judgment 174 

LXXX. — Instructions and Parables continued — Parable 

of the Rich Man and Lazarus 176 

The Parable of the Good Samaritan 177 

LXXXI. — Instructions and Parables continued — An Ex- 
hortation to Prayer 178 

On Perseverance in Prayer — Parable of the Un- 
just Judge — On Humility in Prayer — The 

Pharisee and the Publican 179 

LXXXII. — Instructions and Parables concluded — Christ 
Reproves the Ambition of His Disciples — He 
Proposes a Little Child as their Model, and 

Warns them of the Sin of Scandal 180 

Parable of the Marriage Feast 181 

The Angels in Heaven Rejoice at the Conversion 

of Sinners 182 

Christ is the Good Shepherd 183 

LXXXIIL— Events of the Last Week of the Public Life of 

Christ — The Supper in Bethania 184 

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on an Ass — He 

weeps over the City ... 185 

The right of Csesar to tribute— The Widow's Mite 186 
LXXXIV. — Jesus Celebrates the Pascal Supper, after which 
He Institutes the Unbloody Sacrifice of the 
New Law and the Sacrament of the Most 

Holy Eucharist 188 

Jesus washes the feet of J3is Disciples. — Treason 

of Judas 189 

LXXXV.— Our Lord's Discourse with His Disciples — His 

Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemani 190 

The Praver in the Garden 191 

LXXXVI:— History of the Passion— Jesus Seized and Bound 192 

Scenes in the House of Annas 193 

LXXXVII. — History of the Passion continued — The Treat- 
ment of Jesus in the High Priest's House 194 

Peter Denies his Master 195 

Despair of Judas 196 



CONTENTS. ix 

CHAP. PAGE 

LXXXVIII. — History of the Passion continued — Jesus is 

Brought before Pilate 19G 

Jesus is sent to Herod 197 

The People choose Barabbas 193 

LXXXIX. — History of the Passion continued — Jesus is 

Scourged and Crowned with Thorns 199 

Pilate yields to the Jews and delivers Jesus to 

be Crucified 200 

XC. — History of the Passion concluded — Crucifixion 201 

The Title on the Cross 202 

Jesus is mocked and blasphemed — The Penitent 
Thief — Jesus commends His Mother to the 

beloved Disciple 203 

Jesus expires on the Cross — The signs which 

followed 204 

XCI. — Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross and Laid 

in the Tomb 205 

The Chief Priests set Guards before the Sepulchre 206 

The Resurrection 207 

XCII. — Jesus Appears at Different Times to His Disci- 
ples — The Ascension 203 

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 

XCIIL— The Descent of the Holy Ghost— First Sermon 
of St. Peter — Cure of the Lame Man — Death 
of Ananias and Saphira 211 

XCIV. — Miracles Wrought by the Apostles — They are 
Brought before the Council and Scourged — 

Martyrdom of St. Stephen 213 

XCV. — The Samaritans Receive the Gospel — Conversion 
of Saul — Herod Puts St. James to Deatb — St. 
Peter Delivered from Prison 215 

XCVI. — Paul and Barnabas are Ordained to Preach the 
Gospel — Paul is Stoned — Disputes Regarding 
Circumcision — Paul and Silas in Prison — Paul 

at Athens 218 

XCVII. — Paul at Ephesus — Sedition of the Silversmiths 
— Paul goes up to Jerusalem — A Persecution 
is Raised against Him 221 

SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN 
THE HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 

First Century — Preaching and Death of the Apostles 225 

General Persecutions — Destruction of Jerusalem 228 

Second Century — Persecutions 229 

Final Dispersion of the Jews, A. D. 134 230 

Progress of the Church 231 



X CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Third Century 231 

Monastic Institutions . , 232 

Ecclesiastical Writers 233 

Fourth Century — Persecutions 233 

The Catacombs 234 

Triumph of Christianity .... 235 

Heresies — First General Council of Nice, A. D. 325 236 

Progress of the Church 237 

Faith of Theodosius 239 

Fifth Century 239 

Conversion of Ireland — Britain — Spain — Africa 241 

Saints and Ecclesiastical Writers „ 242 

Sixth C;;ntury — Progress of the Church 242 

Seventh Century — Progress of the Church 243 

Discipline — Rise of Mahometanism 244 

Eighth Century — Progress of Mahometanism 245 

Pepin and the Holy See 246 

The Iconoclasts (Image Breakers) 248 

Ninth Century — Commencement of the Eastern Schism. . . 249 

England 250 

Tenth Century 250 

Eleventh Century 251 

The Eastern Schism — Berengarius 251 

War of Investitures 252 

Twelfth Century 253 

Thirteenth Century— General Councils 254 

General Events — Crusades 255 

Saints and Ecclesiastical Writers 256 

Fourt :enth Century 256 

Fifteenth Century — Great Western Schism — Council of 

Constance 258 

Last Reunion of the Greeks at the Council of Florence — 

Fall of Constantinople 259 

Historical Events 266 

Sixteenth Century — The Reformation 261 

Public Disturbances — Revolt of the Peasants — Siege of 

Minister 262 

England Separated from the Holy See 264 

France— Italy 266 

Council of Trent 267 

Progress of Religion 268 

Seventeenth Century — England 270 

Ireland — Germany — France 272 

Progress of the Church 273 

Saints and Founders of Religious Orders — Historical 

Events 274 

Eighteenth Century— France— Suppression of the Jesuits 275 

The French Revolution 276 

Ireland — Concluding Remarks 278 



BIBLE HISTORY. 



FIRST PERIOD. 

FROM THE CREATION TO THE CALLING OF ABRAHAM. 

B.C. 4000-1918. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE CREATION 



IN the beginning, God made the Heavens and the 
Earth, that is, He created everything that we see, 
and still more which we do not see. Nothing has 
ever existed, which God has not created. The globe 
on which we live is called the Earth ; God made it 
for His own honor and glory, and to atibrd happiness 
to a vast multitude of beings. 

The Earth was at first in a state which is called 
chaos, land and water being mingled confusedly to- 
gether, darkness brooding over all. When it was 
the will of God to bring all things to order, and to 
prepare a habitation for man, He performed this work, 
as Scripture tells us, in the space of six days. 



How does Scripture divide the work of Creation ? 



2* 



8 BIBLE HISTORY. 

On the first day, God made the light, and divided 
it from the darkness, causing the distinction of day 
and night. 

On the second day, He created the firmament ; 
that is, He caused an atmosphere to encircle the Earth, 
and to separate the waters below from the clouds and 
the blue heavens, which were stretched like a canopy 
over the new world. 

On the third day, God caused the waters to be 
gathered together into seas and oceans. The dry land 
w T as then clothed with herbage, flowers, and fruits, 
each bearing seed according to its kind. 

On the fourth day, God placed in the heavens 
the sun, moon, and stars. He appointed them their 
course, producing the agreeable succession of days, 
months, and seasons. 

On the fifth day, God created the fishes that 
dwell in the waters ; creeping things also, and birds. 

On the sixth day, the Almighty created all man- 
ner of four-footed beasts and cattle, and bade them 
increase and multiply. 

The earth was now clothed in beauty, but 
there was as yet no rational creature to enjoy the 
good things which God had made, and to give Him 
glory by praise and thanksgiving. Therefore, on the 
sixth day, God also made Adam, the first man, from 
the slime of the earth. Afterward, while Adam slept, 

What did the Almighty create on the first and second day ? On 
the third? On the fourth? The fifth? What was still wanting 
upon the earth ? When did God create man ? 



BIBLE HISTORY. 9 

He formed, from one of his ribs, a woman, who was 
called Eve. 

On the seventh day, God ended His work which 
He had made, and He rested on the seventh day. 

The word day is frequently used in Scripture to 
express an indefinite period of time ; and it is gener- 
ally believed that the days of creation denote periods 
of great length. From the expression that God rested 
on the seventh day, we must only understand that 
after the six days, He did not create anything new 
upon the earth. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE FALL OF OUR FIRST PARENTS. 

A LTHOUGrH the whole earth was so magnifi- 
<L~\ cent, there was one portion adorned with more 
surpassing beauty. This was the Garden of Eden, 
which is sometimes called Paradise. This delightful 
abode was watered by four rivers, which flowed over 
sands sparkling with gold and precious stones. The 
garden itself produced every fruit and flower which 
could please the eye or gratify the taste. 

When God placed our first parents in this 
delightful abode, He permitted them to eat the fruit 
of every tree, excepting only the tree of the knowledge 

What do you remark of the word day ? Where did God place 
our first parents, and what command did He give ? 



1 BIBLE HISTORY. 

of good and evil. He warned them that if they tasted 
the fruit of this tree they should surely die. 

Our first parents now enjoyed every blessing of 
life. They were in what is called the state of original 
justice ; they were able to converse with God, and, if 
they had not sinned, would never have died. We are 
not told how long they had lived in this blessed state 
when they unhappily fell into sin. 

God had banished from heaven a vast number 
of disobedient angels ; Satan, the chief of these, 
was jealous of our first parents, and determined, if 
possible, to make them as wretched as himself. He 
knew that he could only do this by leading them into 
sin ; and the command of God with regard to the tree 
of knowledge, seemed a good opportunity. 

On one occasion, as Eve stood looking curiously 
at the forbidden fruit/ Satan assumed the form of a 
serpent, and coiled among the branches. He spoke to 
Eve, inviting her to eat of the fruit; but she objected, 
saying that God had forbidden them to taste of it 
under pain of death. Satan, however, spoke artfully, 
and persuaded Eve that God could not punish them 
severely for so slight a fault. He assured her that 
having tasted of this fruit, they would not die, but 
would become as gods, knowing good and evil. So 
Eve plucked the fruit and ate, and gave it to Adam, 
who ate also. 

Our first parents, having thus sinned, experienced 
immediately a sad change in their hearts. When they 

By whom were our first parents tempted ? 



BIBLE HISTORY. 1 1 

heard the voice of God, instead of rejoicing as they 
were wont to do, they hid themselves from the face 
of the Lord. It was impossible to conceal their 
guilt from His all-seeing eye, and they were obliged 
to come, trembling with fear and shame, to hear their 
sentence. 

Adam tried, at first, to excuse himself, by casting 
the blame on Eve, who had offered him the fruit ; 
and Eve, in her turn, accused the serpent. God would 
not accept these excuses, and they were both driven 
from Paradise. They were made subject to sickness, 
death, and all the miseries from which men suffer to 
the present day, and were also condemned to toil for 
their daily bread. 

God had pity, however, on our first parents, and 
would not leave them without hope. Therefore, at 
the same time that He told them of their punishment 
He promised them a Redeemer. As sin and misery 
came into the world by a woman, God declared when 
He cursed the serpent, that the heel of a woman 
should, one day, crush his head. This prophecy was 
fulfilled four thousand years afterwards, when the 
Blessed Virgin gave birth to our Divine Lord, who 
destrovecl the kingdom of Satan forever. Adam and 
Eve carried this hope with them when they left 
Paradise, which they never saw again. God placed an 
angel with a flaming sword to guard the entrance, so 
that no one might dare to approach it any more. 

What did our first parents experience ? What sentence was 
passed upon them ? By what promise were they consoled ? 



12 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTER III. 

DEATH OF ABEL. DESCENDANTS OF CAIN AND OF SETH. 

ADAM and Eve had many children, but Scripture 
l mentions in an especial manner Cain, Abel, and 
Seth ; the Litter was born after the death of Abel. 

God had revealed to Adam that it was his will 
man should worship Him by sacrifice. This rite con- 
sisted in the offering of the fruits of the fields, or 
animals, which w T ere slain and consumed as an 
acknowledgment of His sovereign dominion. All 
these offerings received their efficacy from the merits 
of the Redeemer who was to come ; and were figures 
of the great sacrifice which was one day to be offered 
on Calvary. 

Abel offered in sacrifice the lambs and kids of 
his flock, while Cain, who was a tiller of the soil, 
offered the first fruits of his labor. The action of both 
brothers seemed equally good ; but God, who sees the 
heart, accepted the sacrifice of Abel, and rejected that 
of Cain. This preference He manifested, in what 
manner we are not told; but Cain was so enraged, that 
he invited Abel to walk with him in the fields, and 
when they were quite alone, he fell upon him with a 
club, and killed him. 

What form of worship did God command ? What led to the 
murder of Abel ? 



BIBLE HISTORY. 13 

Cain was very miserable after he had murdered 
Abel ; he suffered from what is called remorse, which 
is a very different thing from true repentance. Those 
who repent grow better, but Cain was only more 
desperate ; and when he heard the voice of God asking 
him where his brother was, he answered insolently 
that he was not his brothers keeper. God forbade 
that any one should kill Cain, and he set a mark upon 
him that he might always be known as a murderer. 
This made the unhappy man say that his punishment 
was greater than he could bear. He wandered towards 
the East, leading a most wretched life. 

Men, in those times, lived several hundred years ; 
so Cain had time to marry, and to see thousands of his 
descendants. These were unfortunately as wicked as 
himself, and began, before long, to worship the demons, 
or fallen angels, instead of God. The children of Cain 
were, however, great hunters and powerful in war ; 
it is believed that they were the first to build cities 
and enclose them with fortifications and walls. Scrip- 
ture says there were giants in those days ; but this 
expression is probably used to denote the strength and 
ferocity of that impious race. 

After the death of Abel a son was born to 
Adam, w^hom he named Seth ; he was faithful to the 
worship of God, and his descendants followed his 
virtuous example. They inhabited the plains of Meso- 



How did the Almighty reprove the murderer ? What was the 
character of the descendants of Cain ? What is related of descend- 
ants of Seth ? 



14 BIBLE HISTORY. - 

potamia, followed the pastoral life, and were strangers 
to violence, ambition, and the love of gain. 

This happy state of things continued until the 
children of Seth intermarried, contrary to the express 
command of the Almighty, with the daughters of 
Cain. These women, who were distinguished by their 
beauty and accomplishments, led their husbands into 
the practice of idolatry and every species of vice. As 
a consequence of these unhappy alliances, the de- 
scendants of Seth became, in a short time, so entirely 
corrupt, that few were found who continued to practise 
virtue, or to worship the true God. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

THE DELUGE. A. C. 2343. 



THE Almighty was so much displeased at the 
wickedness of men, that He resolved to destroy 
them all from the face of the earth. There lived, at 
this time, a good and holy man, named Noe, who 
worshipped God with all his heart, and tried to per- 
suade the people to forsake their idols. God resolved 
to save him and his family, that they might people 
the earth again. He therefore commanded Noe to 



How long did they continue in this happy state ? Why did the 
Almighty resolve to destroy the world ? Who was Noe, and what 
command did he receive from God ? 



BIBLE HISTORY. 15 

make a great ship, or Ark, three stories high, and very 
strong. He spent one hundred years in building the 
Ark, and furnishing it with every kind of necessary 
provisions. 

During this time Noe did not cease to exhort men 
to repentance, warning them of the dreadful judgment 
which was about to fall upon them. They mocked at 
his words ; for they gloried in their riches and strength, 
and did not believe that God could destroy them. 
Even when the time was come, and they saw Noe 
entering the ark with all his family, they continued 
dancing and feasting, marrying and giving in marriage. 
Scripture tells us that in the last days of the world, 
the wicked will act in the same manner. 

The family of Noe consisted of himself and his 
wife, his sons Sem, Cham, and Japheth, w T ith their 
wives ; eight persons in all. By the command of God, 
Noe brought also into the ark every species of animal 
that lived upon the land, pairs of each kind, and 
pairs of every kind of bird. 

When all was complete, Noe closed the ark on 
the inside, and made it water-tight. No sooner had 
he done this, than the rain began to fall in torrents, 
the seas overflowed their boundaries and the valleys 
were soon filled with water. At the end of forty days, 
the highest mountains were covered, and there was no 
one left except Noe and his family. They were earned 

How long was the ark in hiiiMing", and how did the people of 
that time receive the exhortations of Noe ? How many persons 
went into the ark ? 



16 BIBLE HISTORY. 

safely in the Ark over the waters that covered all the 
magnificent cities of that ancient world. 

At the end of five months the waters began to 
subside upon the earth. Noe wished to know if there 
were yet any dry land, and for this purpose he sent a 
raven from the ark. This bird of prey found so many 
dead bodies of men and animals, that he remained 
feasting on them, and returned no more. Noe next 
sent out a dove, which came back at evening, bearing 
in its beak an olive-branch with green leaves. This 
proved that the dry land had appeared, and, after a 
little time, the ark rested on the summit of a mountain 
in Armenia, called Ararat. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE WORLD AFTER THE PATRIARCHS. 

NOE and his family went out rejoicing ; and 
Noe offered a solemn sacrifice to thank God for 
his deliverance. God accepted this pious offering, and 
made a covenant with !Nbe, that He would never again 
destroy the earth by water. 

The Almighty took, as a sign, the bright bow 
which appears in the heavens after rain, and bade Noe, 
when he saw it, to remember the promise which He 
had made. 

When did the waters of the flood begin to subside ? How did 
Noe celebrate his deliverance, and what covenant did God make 
with him? 



TIIE WORLD AFTER THE PATRIARCHS. 17 

Noe, seeing himself in the midst of a ruined and 
uninhabited world, applied himself with diligence to 
the arts of husbandry. He cultivated the vine, and 
refreshed himself with the pleasant juice of the grape. 
When this fermented to wine, Noe drank freely of it, 
not knowing what the consequences would be. He 
became intoxicated, and in this condition, fell asleep 
in his tent. When Cham saw his father, he laughed 
at him, and called Sem and Japheth to do the same. 
They were shocked at their brother's conduct, and 
going to their father, covered him decently with a 
cloak. When Noe learned what had taken place, he 
blessed Sem and Japheth, but cursed Cham and his 
posterity. God, who knew the hearts of these men, 
confirmed both the blessing and the curse which Noe 
had spoken. 

There "were, from Adam to Noe, ten patriarchs in 
direct succession. Their names, and the dates of their 
birth and death, are as follows : 
Names and Ages of the Ten Patriarchs of the First Age. 

A. M. 

Born Died Aged 

1. Adam 930 930 

2. Seth . . . ■ 130 1042 912 

3. Enos 235 1140 905 

4. Cainan 325 1235 910 

5. Malaleel 395 1290 895 

6. Jared 460 1422 962 

7. Henoch . . 622 987 365 

8. Mathusala 687 1656 969 

9. Lamech 874 1561 777 

10. Noe 1057 2006 950 

On what occasion did Noe curse Cham ? 



18 BIBLE HISTORY. 

We may see by this table the extraordinary length 
of life granted to man during this first period. This 
circumstance rendered it easy to transmit the tradi- 
tions of the human race. Lamech the father of Noe 
had lived 56 years with Adam, and Noe himself 128 
years with Thare the father of Abraham. 

What remark do you make on the long life granted to man in 
the first age ? 



SECOND PERIOD. 

FROM THE CALLING OF ABRAHAM (B.C. 1917) TO THE 

DELIVERY OF THE ISRAELITES OUT OF EGYPT 

(B.C. 1487). 



CHAPTER VI. 

TOWER OF BABEL. CALLING OF ABRAHAM. 

THE children of Seni, Ham and Japhet multi- 
plied on the earth, but they very soon forgot the 
law of (rod. Being numerous, and clever at building, 
they agreed together that they would found a great city, 
and erect a lofty tower which would reach to heaven. 
Some have supposed that they hoped to make this 
tower so high, that it would serve as a refuge in case 
of another deluge. It is more probable that they were 
full of pride, and wished to do something to make 
their names famous. They commenced the building 
of this tower on the plain of Sennaar. 

Up to this time, all the people in the world spoke 
one language. While they were busily engaged on 
this great tower, they suddenly began to speak in 
different dialects so that they could not understand 

What work did the descendants of Sem, Cham, and Japheth 
undertake, and how was it interrupted ? 



20 BIELE HISTORY. 

one another. Other difficulties arose, and they had to 
give up the work ; the unfinished tower received the 
name of Babel, which signifies confusion. After this, 
the people dispersed to different parts of the world. 
It is thought that Asia was occupied chiefly by the 
descendants of Sem; Europe by the descendants of 
Japhet, and Africa by the family of Ham or Cham. 

After the dispersion of mankind, idolatry gen- 
erally prevailed. The descendants of Sem observed 
for a time the law of God ; at length they too became 
corrupted by bad example, until there were but few 
who continued to practise virtue or who abstained 
from the worship of idols. 

God now called Abraham, a just and holy man, 
to be the father of a chosen people who should observe 
His laws and persevere in His worship until the com- 
ing of the Messiah. The Almighty commanded Abra- 
ham to leave Mesopotamia, where he dwelt, and to go 
into the land of Canaan. 

He promised to give this country to his descend- 
ants, and told him that in his seed all the nations 
of the earth should be blessed. 

Abraham arose, and went into the land which 
God had shown him, never doubting his promise to 
make him the father of a great family. He was ac- 
companied in all his journeys by a nephew named 

What portions of the world were settled respectively by the 
descendants of Sem, Cham, and Japheth? What was the state of 
mankind when God called Abraham? Where did Abraham settle 
by the command of God? 



SACRIFICE OF MELCHISEDECH. 21 

Lot whom lie tenderly loved. As both were possessed 
of vast herds and fiocks, disputes arose between the 
shepherds with regard to wells and pasturage. Abra- 
ham proposed that they should separate, and Lot im- 
prudently took up his abode in the town of Sodom, 
infamous, even among the idolaters, for the wickedness 
of its inhabitants. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SACRIFICE OF MELCniSEDECH. DESTRUCTION OF SODOM. 

THERE lived at this time, Melchisedech, king 
of Salem, and priest of the Most High God. 
Scripture does not tell us anything concerning him, 
except that on one occasion, when Abraham was 
returning after a victory, Melchisedech met him on 
the way, and offered a sacrifice of bread and wine. 
We know from different passages of Scripture, that 
Melchisedech was a type of Christ ; and his offering 
of bread and wine was a foreshadowing of the sacrifice 
of the Mass. 

In these ancient times, men like Abraham, who 
were great and rich, still lived as plainly as if they 
were poor. We have an instance of this simplicity in 
the account which Scripture gives us of the visit of 
three angels to Abraham's tent. These divine mes- 

Who was Melchisedech ? Relate the visit of the angels to 
Abraham's tent ? 



22 BIBLE HISTORY. 

sengers were on their way to destroy the wicked town 
of Sodom, and were also commissioned to renew the 
promises which God had made to Abraham. They 
came to his tent in the gnise of ordinary travellers; 
the holy patriarch received them kindly, brought water 
to wash their feet, and went himself to choose a fatted 
calf which he directed his servants to prepare. Sarah, 
in the meantime, retired to make, with her own hands, 
fresh hearth-cakes for the supper of her guests. 

After the angels had discoursed with Abraham 
concerning the son who would soon be born to him, 
they informed him of the orders they had received 
with regard to the cities of the plain. Sodom was the 
chief of° these, and Abraham was interested in its fate 
because it was the residence of Lot. Abraham pleaded 
earnestly for this wicked city, and after the angels 
were departed, he asked God in prayer, if He would 
spare it provided there should be fifty just men 
therein. They were, not to be found, and Abraham 
continued in prayer until the Lord declared that it- 
there were but ten just men in Sodom, He would spare 
it for their sake. Even this small number was not to 
be found, and the angels proceeded on their mission. 
There are a great many wicked people now, but 
since the coming of Our Lord it would be very hard 
to find even a small town where there are not more 
than ten just and faithful Christians. We may believe 
therefore that thousands of proud and irreligious 
people are spared every day, for the sake, perhaps, of 

What did Abraham ask in prayer 1 



~ 



— 



I 




BIRTH OF ISAAC. 23 

a few poor, pious men and women, whom they consider 
beneath their notice. 

When the angels approached Sodom they met 
Lot, who pressed them to accept the hospitality of his 
house. The wicked Sodomites, hearing of the arrival 
of the strangers, surrounded Lot's house, and threatened 
to offer violence to its inmates. Then the angels cast 
a mist upon their eyes, so that they could neither see 
the house, nor find any way to enter. When it was 
morning, the angels led Lot and all his family to a 
place of safety, warning them not on any account to 
look back at the city they were leaving. A dreadful 
shower of fire and brimstone began to fall from Heaven 
upon Sodom, Gomorrah, and the neighboring towns. 
The wife of Lot looked back curiously, and was im- 
mediately changed into a pillar of salt. 

A bituminous and fetid lake, known as the Dead 
Sea, now covers the site occupied by the once famous 
cities of the plain. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

BIRTH OF ISAAC. ISMAEL. FAITH OF- ABRAHAM. 

THE faith of Abraham was rewarded by the 
birth of a son, whom he named Isaac. In those 
early times, it was permitted that men should have 
two or more wives, although one generally held the 

What occurred in Sodom ? 



2-i BIBLE HISTORY. 

first rank. Abraham had a son, born some years 
before Isaac, but he was not his father s heir, because 
his mother, Agar, was a woman of inferior rank, being 
a handmaid of Sara. The name of this child was 
Ismael. He was jealous of the attention given to 
Isaac, and grieved to think that he w T as to inherit the 
riches of his father. This led to quarrels between the 
children, and as Agar naturally took the part of her 
son, Sara became alarmed and begged Abraham to 
send them both away. 

Abraham -was warned that such was the will of 
God, and Agar was obliged to depart with her son. 
After they had travelled two days they came to a 
wilderness, where they were in danger of perishing for 
want of water ; Agar cried aloud to God, who sent 
an angel to comfort her. The holy messenger declared 
that Ismael would be the father of a numerous people ; 
he then showed her a fountain of water, and dis- 
appeared. 

Agar brought up her son in the wilderness ; he 
married an Egyptian woman, and it is thought that 
the wandering tribes of the Arabian deserts are de- 
scended from him. 

When Isaac had grown to be a young man, God 
wished Abraham to give the world a great example 
of obedience. He therefore commanded him to take 
his son to a certain mountain, and there offer him in 
sacrifice. We can well understand what a grievous 



(Jive tbe history oi Agar and Ismael? What command did 
Abraham receive from God, and in v> bat manner did be obey 1 



BlilTII OF ISAAC. 25 

command this was ; but Abraham knew that God had 
spoken, and had no thought but to obey. 

He set out for the mountain, and when they 
drew near, he commanded his servants to remain, 
while he went on with Isaac, who bore the wood for 
the sacrifice. The holy patriarch carried fire and a 
sword, and the young man asked, in surprise, where 
was the victim for the holocaust. Abraham replied : 
" God will provide Himself a victim for the holocaust, 
my son." 

On arriving at the appointed place, Abraham built 
an altar, and having placed the wood in order, he 
bound Isaac, and laid him upon the pile. At the 
moment when he grasped the knife to strike his son, 
an angel seized* his hand, and forbade the act, assuring 
him that the Almighty was satisfied by his obedience. 
At the same time, he showed Abraham a ram, with 
his horns entangled in a thicket. We may imagine 
with what joy the holy patriarch offered this victim 
in place of his son. 

Isaac is considered a type of Christ, because he 
carried on his shoulders the wood on which he was to 
be sacrificed, as our Divine Lord carried to Calvary 
the Cross on which He was about to offer Himself for 
our redemption. 

Why is Isaac considered a type of Christ ? 

2 



26 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTEE IX. 

ISAAC AND JACOB. 

A FTER the death of Sara, which took place in 
-/jl the hundred and twenty-seventh year of her 
age, Abraham desired that Isaac should marry. As 
the holy patriarch would form no alliance with idola- 
ters, he sent Eliezer, a trusty servant, into Mesopota- 
mia, to ask a wife for Isaac from among his relatives 
in that country. This man was directed by God, and 
chose Rebecca, the grand-niece of Abraham, a fair and 
virtuous maiden. 

Abraham died at the age of one hundred and 
seventy-five. He was buried by his sons, Isaac and 
Ismael, who appear to have come together, on this 
occasion, for the first and last time. 

Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Although 
Esau was the elder, Jacob was chosen by God to enjoy 
the rights of the first-born, and the folly of his brother 
enabled him to assert his claim. Esau having come 
home one evening very weary after a day spent in 
hunting, sold Jacob his birthright for a savory mess 
of pottage which lie found prepared. This act is held 
up to us in Scripture, as a warning to those who are 
tempted to sell their best birthright, the kingdom of 

How did Abraham choose a wife for Isaac ? By whom was 
Abraham buried ? How did Jacob obtain the first birthright ? 



ISAAC AND JACOB. 27 

heaven, for some passing gratification, as trifling as 
Esau's mess of pottage. 

Rebecca was aware of all that had passed between 
the brothers, and she managed that Isaac should con- 
firm the birthright of Jacob, by blessing him in a very 
solemn manner. Esau now hated his brother, and 
Rebecca advised Jacob to go and dwell for a time with 
her brother Laban. Isaac also wished that he should 
choose a wife in that country, so Jacob departed on 
his journey. 

One night, as Jacob was sleeping in a field, with 
only a stone for a pillow, he seemed to see a ladder 
reaching from heaven to earth, and on it angels, as- 
cending and descending. 

Then the Lord spoke to him, renewing the prom- 
ise made to Abraham. He foretold that the Messias 
was to come of his race, saying: "In thy seed all 
nations shall be hlessedP . 

Jacob was kindly received by his uncle Laban, 
whom he engaged to serve for seven years, on con- 
dition that he would give him his daughter Rachel in 
marriage. When the seven years were passed, Laban 
deceived Jacob, and gave him his eldest daughter 
Leah. When Jacob complained, Laban permitted 
him to marry Rachel also, but obliged him to remain 
seven years more, in his service. 

At the end of this time, Jacob returned to his 

Where did he go to escape the anger of his brother? What 
vision was shown to him, and what promise did he receive ? In 
what manner was Jacob deceived by his uncle ? 



28 BIBLE HISTORY. 

own country, taking with him great wealth of herds 
and flocks. He was happily reconciled to his brother 
Esau, and when Isaac died, at the age of one hundred 
and eighty years, the brothers united in rendering the 
last honors to his memory. 



CHAPTEK X. 

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN. 

JACOB, who was also called Israel, had twelve 
sons, but Joseph w T as loved by his father above 

all his brethren. The aged patriarch seems to 
have had reasons for this preference, as Joseph was 
favored with the gift of prophecy, and was exceedingly 
virtuous. When he w r as about sixteen years of age, 
he had two wonderful dreams, by which his brethren 
understood that he was one day to have authority over 
them, and for this reason, and because he was his 
father's favorite, they hated him. Their wicked jealousy 
rose to such a height that they began to think seriously 
of murdering their innocent brother. 

One day, Joseph was sent on a message to his 
brethren, who were watching their flocks at some 
distance. When they saw him coming, they said to one 
another: " Behold, the dreamer cometh. Come, let ns 
kill him," Ruben, who was afraid to oppose his 

TIow did Joseph incur the hatred of his brethren ? 



JOSEPII AND HIS BRETHREN. 29 

brothers openly, advised them not to stain their hands 
with his blood, but to throw him into a deep pit near 
by, and leave him to perish. Ruben said this, intend- 
ing to come back privately, and help Joseph out of 
the pit. 

After a little time, the cruel brothers saw a party 
of Madianite merchants mounted on camels. They 
drew Joseph out of the pit, and sold him for a slave 
to the merchants, who were going to Egypt. Jacob 
had given to Joseph a very handsome coat of many 
colors ; the brothers took this, and stained it with the 
blood of a kid. They sent it to their father, pretend- 
ing that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. 
Jacob believed their story, and mourned bitterly for 
his son. 



CHAPTER XI. 

STORY OF JOSEPH CONTINUED. 

THE Madianites sold Joseph to Putiphar, an 
Egyptian, and an officer of King Pharao. Joseph 
submitted to his fate with pious resignation, and served 
his master with so much fidelity that he gave him the 
charge of everything which he possessed. 

The presence of a virtuous person is sufficient to 
bring a blessing on the house in which he dwells, and 
Scripture tells us that God increased the wealth of 

In what manner was he sold into Egypt ? 



30 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Putiphar, and blessed his undertakings for the sake of 
Plis servant Joseph. The wife of Putiphar was a 
profligate woman ; she was angry with Joseph because 
he would not consent to do anything contrary to the 
law 7 of God, and accused him to her husband of a 
crime which he had not committed. Putiphar believed 
the tale, and Joseph was thrown into prison. 

Here Joseph behaved so well that the governor 
gave him authority over his fellow-prisoners, and 
trusted him in everything. One day Joseph found 
two of the prisoners in trouble on account of their 
dreams. One, who had been chief butler to King 
Pharao, dreamed that he was pressing grapes into a 
cup and giving to the king to drink. Joseph told him 
his dream signified that he would be restored to favor 
after three days, and would stand before the king. 
The other, who had been chief baker at court, dreamed 
that he carried on his head three baskets filled with 
cakes, and that the birds came and devoured them. 
Joseph told him that after three days he would, be 
hung on a gibbet, and that the birds would eat his 
flesh. All came to pass as had been foretold, but 
Joseph remained in prison. 

About two years later Pharao was much troubled 
by a singular dream. He thought he stood by the 
river Nile, and that there came up out of the water 
seven fat kine, which fed by the bank. Then seven 
lean kine came out of the water, and devoured those 



What led to Joseph's imprisonment ? What is told of his inter- 
pretation of dreams? 



JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN. 31 

that were fat, but remained lean and miserable as 
before. Again lie saw seven beautiful ears of corn, 
and seven poor and blighted ears sprang up and 
devoured them. 

When the chief butler heard the king speaking 
of his dream, he told the king what had passed in 
prison, and Pharao ordered the young Hebrew to be 
brought before him. Joseph declared to the king that 
both the visions signified the same thing ; that there 
would be, in the land of Egypt, seven years of great 
plenty, followed by seven years of famine. He ad- 
vised the king to have a part of the crops of the years 
of plenty laid up in store-houses, so that the people 
might have some provision for the years of famine. 



CHAPTEE XII. 

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN. 

PHARAO was so much struck by the wisdom of 
Joseph, that he made him governor of all his 
kingdom. Joseph was at this time thirty years of age. 
During the years of plenty, which came as had been 
foretold, he laid by, in store-houses, a great portion of 
the corn. At the end of seven years, the crop failed, 
not only in Egypt, but through all the neighboring 

What led to Joseph's release ? What honors were conferred on 
him? 



32 BIBLE HISTORY. 

countries. The Egyptians had, notwithstanding, suffi- 
cient for their wants, and the king and people felt 
they could not show Joseph sufficient honor. 

In the meantime, Joseph's father and his brethren 
were suffering for food, and Jacob resolved to send 
his sons to buy corn in Egypt. He kept with him his 
youngest son Benjamin, while the others went into 
Egypt. 

When the ten brothers of Joseph were presented 
before him as strangers wishing to buy corn, he knew 
them directly. They, however, little imagined that 
the prince, whom they saw surrounded by such splen- 
dor, was the brother whom they had sold into slavery. 

Joseph affected to believe that they were spies, 
and by questioning, learned all that he wished to 
know about his father, and his young brother Ben- 
jamin. Then he consented to sell them corn, and let 
them depart, if they would promise to come again, and 
bring Benjamin. When Joseph spoke severely to his 
brethren, they talked among themselves, thinking that 
he did not understand their language. They said that 
they deserved the worst that could be inflicted on 
them, because of their cruelty in selling their young 
brother. When Joseph heard this, and saw that his 
brothers were truly repentant, he was obliged to go 
aside to conceal his -tears. He then sent them all 
away except Simeon, whom' he detained, to assure him- 
self that they would return with Benjamin. 

Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt ? What passed when 
they appeared before Joseph ? 



STORY OF JOSEPH. 33 



CHAPTER XIII. 

STORY OF JOSEPH CONTINUED. 

WHEN the brethren returned to Jacob, be was 
astonished to find, in the top of the sacks of 
corn, all the money which had been paid for it to 
Joseph's steward. When the patriarch heard the 
promise which they had made to return to the gover- 
nor of Egypt, and to bring Benjamin, he was exceed- 
ingly afflicted. He told them that Simeon was in 
prison; Joseph had been devoured by a wild beast; 
and now they wanted to take from him Benjamin, the 
child of his old age. However, when all the corn was 
eaten, Jacob was forced to consent, and the brothers 
set out for Egypt, taking Benjamin with them. 

At the sight of Benjamin, Joseph w T as so much 
overcome that he could scarcely refrain from embrac- 
ing him. He retired for a while to give vent to his 
tears, and then washed his face, and came to dine 
with his brethren. The day was passed in festivity, 
and the next morning the brothers departed with a 
supply of corn. 

Joseph had given orders that the money should, 
as before, be put in the top of each sack, but in Ben- 
jamin's sack he bade them place also his own silver 
drinking-cup. When the brothers had proceeded some 

What occurred when the brethren returned to Jacob? 



34 BIBLE HISTORY. 

little way, Joseph's steward overtook them, complain- 
ing that, in return for all his kindness, they had stolen 
his master's silver cup. The brothers denied the 
charge ; but when they opened their sacks, the silver 
cup was found with Benjamin. 

When the brethren were brought before Joseph, 
he declared that he would keep Benjamin for a slave 
to punish him for his theft. Then they began to 
lament, telling him that their father Jacob would die, 
if Benjamin did not return. Jud a even begged that 
he might stay and be a slave in his young brother's 
place. Joseph saw from all this, how much his 
brothers were changed, and his heart was filled with 
love for them. As he could no longer restrain his 
feelings, he commanded the Egyptians to leave the 
room, that no stranger might be present at the scene 
which followed. 



CHAPTEE XIV. 

STORY OF JOSEPH CONCLUDED. JACOB GOES TO EGYPT, 

B. C. 1702. 

WHEN Joseph declared who he was, his 
brethren were struck with fear, but he spoke 
gently to them, and assured them of his entire forgive- 
ness. He embraced each one with many tears, and 

What charge was brought against Benjamin ? How did Joseph 
reassure his brethren ? 



STOKY OF JOSEPH. 35 

told them how God had watched over him in the land 
of Egypt, and had turned every misfortune to his 
advantage and theirs. He prayed them to return 
quickly to Jacob; to tell him that his son Joseph 
lived, and was governor of the whole land of Egypt 
Above all things, Joseph urged his brethren to persuade 
their father to come to Egypt with his family. 

The news of this joyful meeting spread quickly, 
and the king, who loved Joseph, took part in his 
happiness. He told him to furnish his brethren with 
everything necessary for their journey ; he bade them 
also take a number of chariots, that they might bring 
back their wives and children with more ease and 
safety. 

When the brethren, with their long train of 
chariots and beasts of burden, arrived in the land of 
Canaan, Jacob wondered exceedingly ; but when his 
sons had told their story, he was, as Scripture tells us, 
bewildered, like one awakened out of a deep sleep. 
He said : " It is enough for me if Joseph, my son, be 
yet living ; I will go and see him before I die." 

Jacob prepared in haste for his journey, taking 
with him his children and grandchildren, who num- 
bered sixtv-six souls, without counting: his sons' wives. 
He also brought the vast herds and flocks which con- 
stituted the principal part of his wealth. 

Before setting out, the venerable, patriarch offered 
a solemn sacrifice to God, that he might be assured of 

the Divine will. The Almighty spoke to him in a 

1 ^ 

What order did Pharao give? What is related of Jacob? 



36 BIBLE HISTORY. 

vision, and bade him not to fear, but to go into Egypt, 
where his descendants should multiply into a great 
nation ; that in after-times they should return to the 
land of Canaan, but that he would die in Egypt. 

Joseph went out to meet Jacob with a splendid 
retinue, and the father and son embraced with many 
tears. It was the desire of Joseph that his family 
might live apart from the idolatrous Egyptians, and at 
his request, Pharao assigned them the land of Gessen 
for a residence. 



CHAPTER XV. 



DEATH OF JACOB, A. C. 1719. PERSECUTION OF THE 

ISRAELITES. 

JACOB lived happily in Egypt for seventeen years. 
He died surrounded by his descendants, at the 

age of one hundred and forty-seven. Upon his 
death-bed, he blessed his twelve sons in a very solemn 
manner, and prophesied concerning their future great- 
ness. He spoke to Juda in particular, telling him 
that the u Expectation of Nations," the promised Re- 
deemer, should be born of his family. He then be- 
sought Joseph to bury him in the land of Canaan with 
Abraham and Isaac. 

When the seventy days of mourning were passed, 

Relate the circumstances attending the death and funeral of 
Jacob. 



DEATH OF JACOB. 37 

Joseph went up to Canaan. He was accompanied by 
his kindred, and all the great men of the land of Egypt, 
with a vast retinue of chariots and horses. Jacob was 
laid in the double cave which Abraham had purchased 
for a burial-place, and the. funeral rites lasted seven 
d.iys. 

Joseph continued in power and prosperity to the 
age of one hundred and ten, when he died, charging 
the Israelites to carry his bones with them, when God 
should call them out of Egypt. His brethren also 
passed away, but their descendants became numerous 
and powerful. They continued to receive favors from 
the kings of the country, until troubles came, and a 
strange Pharao governed Egypt. This king hated 
the Israelites, and persecuted them in the most cruel 
manner. He made them do the work of slaves, and 
it is thought by some that they were forced to labor 
on the pyramids. 

After the Israelites had suffered a long time, 
Pharao saw that their numbers did not diminish. 
He commanded, therefore, that the Israelites should 
drown their infant sons as soon as they were born ; 
the daughters they were permitted to bring up. He 
had at first given orders to the Egyptian nurses to 
murder the children of the Hebrew women secretly. 
Tliese good women would not obey the king, and God 
rewarded their humanity by making them rich and 
prosperous. 

What request did Joseph make at the time of his death ? Re- 
late the persecution of the Israelites. 



38 BIBLE HISTORY. 

The unhappy Israelites saw thousands of their 
little ones drowned in the river Nile, for Egyptian 
officers watched, to see that the king's order was 
obeyed, and it was impossible for them to resist. 



CHAPTER XVI 

BIRTH OF MOSES. 



A WOMAN of the tribe of Levi succeeded in 
hiding her infant for the space of three months. 
At last, as she could conceal the little boy no longer, 
the mother made a basket, and daubed it with pitch 
to keep out the water. Then with many tears and 
prayers, she put the infant in the basket, and laid it 
in the rushes by the river's bank. She told her daugh- 
ter Miriam to stand near, and see what w r ould happen. 
Presently, Pharao's daughter came with her 
maidens to bathe. When she saw the infant in the 
basket, she was moved with pity and resolved to save 
it. Miriam came forward, and asked her if she would 
like to have a nurse for the child. The princess told 
her to seek one, and Miriam brought her own mother. 
The poor woman departed in great joy with the infant, 
whom the princess named Moses, because he was taken 
out of the water. When the child was old enough to 

Relate the circumstances attending the birth and education of 
Moses. 



BERTH OF MOSES. 39 

do without the mother's care, she brought him to 
Pharao's daughter, who adopted him as her son. 

The Egyptians were, at that time, the most 
learned nation in the world, and Moses was carefully 
instructed in their wisdom. Scripture does not tell us 
how he came to learn his true parentage, but we know 
that he left the Egyptian court of his own free will, 
because St. Paul says that Moses chose rather to be 
afflicted with the people of God, than to have the 
pleasure of sin for a time. His heart was full of pity 
for his unfortunate countrymen, and one day while 
trying to defend an Israelite, he slew an Egyptian. 
The affair became known, and he had to fly from the 
country. 

Moses lived many years in the land of Madian, 
where he married Sephora, the daughter of Jethro, a 
priest. When he was already a very old man, he had 
a wonderful vision. As he was feeding his flocks, he 
saw a bush which was on fire without being burned. 
God spoke to him from the midst of the flames, and 
commanded him to return to Egypt, and deliver his- 
people. Moses prayed God to excuse him. He said 
that the Israelites would pay no attention to his words, 
nor would they believe that God had sent him. The 
Lord again commanded him to go and to take his 
brother Aaron with him. He promised that both he 

Did Moses leave the Egyptian court of his own free will ? What 
circumstance obliged Moses to leave Egypt ? What occurred to 
him in the land of Madian ? What mission was confided to him 
by God ? 



40 BIBLE HISTORY. 

and Aaron should work such great miracles that it 
would be impossible for the Israelites to doubt their 
mission. Moses was to persuade the Pharao who was 
then king, to let the Hebrews go into the desert to 
offer sacrifice. 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

MOSES BEFORE PHARAO. 



MOSES set out for Egypt with his wife and 
family, and while he was yet journeying in the 
desert, Aaron was sent by God to meet him. Moses 
was now eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three. 
They assembled the Israelites, and Moses declared to 
them what he had been commanded to do. The people 
believed, and adored God. 

When Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharao, 
and asked permission for the Israelites to go out and 
sacrifice, the king was very angry. He said : " Who 
is the Lord that I should hear his voice, and let Israel 
go ? " he bade Moses and Aaron trouble him no longer, 
but begone to their tasks. 

Pharao sent the same day for the overseers of 
the works, and told them that the Israelites must have 
very little to do, since they were asking to go into 
the desert to sacrifice ; he bade them to increase 

How was Moses received by Pharao? What orders did Pharao 
give the overseers ? 



AIOSES BEFORE PHABAO. 41 

their tasks, that they might have something else to 
think of. • 

The people were now angry with Moses because, 
as they said, he had only increased their sufferings. He 
tried to comfort them, by assuring them that God 
would fulfil his promises and deliver them ; but they 
were so sick at heart, and weary with labor, that they 
paid no attention to his words. 

Moses and Aaron went a second time to Pharao, 
and when he refused to listen to them, Aaron per- 
formed many miracles before the king and his court. 
He threw his rod on the ground, and it immediately 
became a serpent. Pharao's magicians tried to imi- 
tate the wonder. They threw rods upon the ground, 
which appeared to change into serpents, but the serpent 
of Aaron devoured them all ; and when he touched it, 
became a rod, as it was before. It was so when they 
tried to imitate the other miracles which he worked ; 
they succeeded in doing some very strange things, 
partly by tricks, like those which jugglers now per- 
form, and partly, perhaps, by the help of Satan, but 
they could not perform anything which was equal to 
the miracles of Aaron. 

What complaints did the people make ? What is told regard- 
ing miracles wrought by Aaron ? 



THIRD PERIOD. 

FROM THE DELIVERY OF THE ISRAELITES OUT OF 

EGYPT (B.C. 1487) TO THE SEPARATION OF 

THE TEN TRIBES. 



CHAPTEE XVIII. 

THE PLAGUES OF EGYPT. 



PHARAO still hardened his heart, and refused 
to let the Israelites depart. Then God sent upon 
him dreadful judgments, which are generally known 
as the Ten Plagues of Egypt. 

Pharao was sometimes terrified, and promised to 
do what God had commanded ; but when he was 
freed from the present suffering by the prayeis of 
Moses, he broke his promise, and refused as before. 

The Plagues of Egypt were these : 

First: All the waters throughout Egypt were 
turned into blood and the people had to dig wells 
everywhere. Only in the land of Gessen, where the 
Israelites lived, the waters remained pure. 

Second : A multitude of frogs covered the land, 
filling the houses, and spoiling all the food. 

Name the Ten Plagues. 



THE PLAGUES OF EGYPT. 43 

Third : Both men and beasts were tormented by 
ciniphs, a small stinging insect. 

Fourth : A plague of flies. 

Fifth : A pestilence among the cattle. 

Sixth: Dreadful ulcers, or boils, which afflicted 
both men and beasts. 

Seventh : A storm of thunder, lightning, and hail. 

Eighth : A plague of locusts. 

Ninth : A darkness of three days, caused by vapors, 
so thick and heavy that they could be felt. Only in 
the land of Gessen the air was pure. 

Tenth : The Angel of Death passed through the 
whole land of Egypt, killing the first-born in every 
house. 

Before the last plague, the Lord commanded 
Moses to see that the Israelites sacrificed, in every 
house, an unspotted lamb. They were to partake of 
it with unleavened bread, standing with staves in their 
hands, and their garments girded, as if for a journey ; 
they were also to sprinkle the door-posts with blood. 
The destroying angel passed by every house that was 
marked in this manner, but in all the others he slew 
the first-born. The Lord commanded also, that the 
same sacrifice should be offered every year, to com- 
memorate the deliverance of the people. The Paschal 
Lamb was a figure of our Divine Saviour, by whose 
blood we are saved from eternal death. 

When the Egyptians were struck by this last 

What did God command before the tenth plague ? Of what 
was the Paschal Lamb a figure ? 



44: BIBLE HISTORY. 

plague, they were filled with terror. Then Pharao 
called for Moses and Aaron, and bade them lead the Is- 
raelites into the desert, as they had desired. He per- 
mitted them to take their flocks and herds ; and God 
changed the hearts of the Egyptians, so that they lent 
them much gold and silver, and an abundant supply of 
garments. Thus, more than two hundred years after 
Jacob settled in Egypt, there departed six hundred 
thousand Israelites, without counting the children. 



CHAPTEK XIX. 

DESTRUCTION OF PHARAO AM) HIS HOSTS. WANDERINGS 

OF THE ISRAELITES IN THE DESERT. 

GOD showed His protecting presence to the Is- 
raelites, guiding the vast multitude by a cloud, 
which went before them all the day, changing to a 
pillar of fire at night. 

In the meantime, the Egyptians began to recover 
from their terror, and to regret the loss of so many 
valuable slaves, whose labor they could always com- 
mand. They remembered all the gold and silver 
and precious garments they had lent them, and they 
were uneasy, fearing to lose this wealth. 

Pharao was also sorry that he let the people g< >, 



How did God protect the Israelites? What led Pharao to 
pursue them ? 



DESTRUCTION OF PHARAO AXD HIS HOSTS. 45 

so he assembled a large army, with horses and chariots, 
and set out to pursue them. He found the Israelites 
encamped by the Red Sea. When they saw the king 
and his army, they gave themselves up for lost, and 
forgetting the mercies of God, began to murmur 
against Moses, for having brought them out to be 
slaughtered in the desert. 

Then two great wonders took place. The 
cloud, which had gone before them, changed its 
place, and spread, like a great fog, between them and 
Pharao's army, so that they were hidden from view. 
Then Moses stretched his rod over the sea, and the 
waters rolled up on either side, and left a dry passage 
at the bottom, so that the whole multitude crossed in 
safety. Pharao thought that he could pass in the same 
manner, and went on some distance ; but as soon as 
he and his army were in the bed of the sea, Moses 
stretched forth his rod again, and the waters returned 
to their usual place, burying Pharao and his hosts 
beneath the waves. 

One would suppose that after such great miracles, 
the Israelites would never murmur again ; but it was 
not so. At Mara they complained of the bitterness 
of the water, and afterwards when their provisions 
failed, they began to lament for the flesh-pots of Egypt, 
and to reproach Moses with having brought them into 
the wilderness to die. 

Then the Lord said to Moses: "Behold I will 

Relate the passage of the Red Sea and the destruction of the 
Egyptian host. 



46 BIBLE HISTORY. 

rain bread from heaven for you." Moses learned what 
this promise meant on the following morning, when 
the face of the wilderness was covered with manna. 
This was a sweet substance, small like coriander seed, 
and looking, as it lay thick upon the ground, like 
hoar-frost. God gave the manna this property, that 
it satisfied every reasonable appetite, and maintained 
them in health and strength. 

This wonderful food, which fell daily from 
Heaven, is considered a figure of the Holy Eucharist; 
and Our Lord Himself made this comparison, speaking 
to the Jews. He told them that their fathers ate 
manna in the wilderness, and were dead ; that He 
was the Living Bread that came down from Heaven, 
and that those who partook q{ this Bread, should 
never die. 



CHAPTEB XX. 

GOD GIVES WATER FROM A DRY ROCK. VICTORY OVER 

THE AMALECITES. 

THE Israelites came to a dry and sandy tract 
of country, where they conld find no water. In 
this difficulty Moses prayed to God, and the Almighty 
commanded him to take his rod, and to go to the rock 
of Horeb. Moses did as he had been directed ; when 
he had come to Horeb, he struck the dry rock, and a 

What occurred at Horeb and Cades? 



GOD GIVES WATEB FROM A DRY - EOCK. 47 

plentiful stream of water gushed forth. Moses repeated 
tlie same miracle in a place called Cades ; but on this 
occasion, he struck the rock twice. God knew that he 
had done this, half fearing the water would not come. 
This seems a very trilling fault, but it was revealed to 
Moses, that in punishment for his want of faith, he 
would never be permitted to enter the Land of 
Promise. 

The march of the Israelites led them near the 
country of the Amalecites. These idolaters assembled 
a powerful army intending to destroy the strangers, or 
reduce them to slavery. The Israelites were dis- 
heartened, but Moses bade them confide in God. He 
chose Josue to command them, and notwithstanding 
that they were weary with their journey and poorly 
armed, the Lord granted them a signal victory. 

On this occasion, God showed that prayer is more 
powerful than armed hosts. While Josue combatted 
in the valley, Moses prayed on the mountain, his hands 
raised to heaven. When through weariness he could 
no longer extend his hands, the ranks of the Israelites 
wavered, and the Amalecites seemed about to gain the 
day. Perceiving this, Aaron and Hur placed them- 
selves on either side, and held up the hands of Moses 
until the enemy was completely defeated. 

What victory did the Israelites gain ? What is said of prayer ? 



48 BIBLE HISTOKY 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. THE GOLDEN CALF. 

UP to this time, the law of God had not been 
committed to writing, but taught orally, as it 
was first made known by inspired men. The great 
ideas of right and wrong were also implanted in the 
hearts of all men, so they understood that certain 
actions, such as murder, theft, lying, and the like, are 
wicked in themselves and displeasing to God. As the 
people of God had now increased to a great nation, it 
was his will to give them a written law, which would 
be more easily learned by all. 

Moses was commanded to go alone to the top of 
a mountain, called Sinai, while the people remained 
praying in the valley. A thick cloud covered the 
mount, and then, amid thunder and lightnings, God 
gave Moses the Ten Commandments, miraculously 
written on tables of stone. He explained to him, also, 
how he should govern the people of Israel, and what 
laws he should give them. Moses was also instructed 
concerning the worship of God, the vestments to be 
worn by the priests, and the ornaments of the Taber- 
nacle which he was to make. 

Moses passed forty days and forty nights on the 
mountain, and during this time the people grew dis- 
couraged, fearing that they should never see him 

Was there any written law? What occurred on Mount Sinai 9 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 49 

again. One of the chief gods of Egypt was worshipped 
under the figure of a calf, and they asked Aaron to 
make them such an image that they might call on it 
for help. The women brought their golden ornaments 
and ear-rings ; and Aaron made a golden calf, such as 
they desired. The Israelites set up this idol in the 
camp, and the whole multitude shouted their applause. 

When Moses returned and found the people 
engaged in worshipping a senseless idol, his grief and 
anger were so great, that he threw down the tables, 
on which the Commandments were written, and broke 
them to pieces. He reproached Aaron for his cowardice 
in yielding to the people, and inflicted severe punish- 
ment on the chief idolaters. 

Moses then returned to Mount Sinai, and received 
the Tables of the Law a second time. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



TOE TABERNACLE. FLIGHT OF QUAILS. PUNISHMENT 

OF THE BLASPHEHEE. 

WHEN the people had returned to their duty, 
Moses informed them of the directions which 
God had given regarding the vestments and ornaments 
to be used in divine worship. He called upon them to 
contribute for this purpose, of the gold, silver, and 

What crime did the people commit ? What did Moses ask of the 
people ? 

3 



50 BIBLE HISTORY. 

precious stuffs, which they had brought out of Egypt. 
The Israelites, men and women, responded so gen- 
erously that Moses was obliged to give notice by a 
public crier that he had sufficient of every kind of 
material, and that they need not bring him anything 
more. 

The first care of Moses was to provide a tent, or 
Tabernacle, in which the Tables of the Law might be 
kept with becoming reverence. There were many 
among the , Israelites who could execute the most 
beautiful works in gold and silver, and the women 
were skilled in the exquisite embroidery for which 
Egypt was famous. Moses was not, therefore, at any 
loss for workmen to carry out his designs, and the 
Tabernacle was finished in a very short time. 

It vras an oblong tent, made of setim wood and 
hung with beautiful tapestry. There were golden 
rings set in at each corner, through which poles were 
passed, when they wished to lift the Tabernacle, and 
carry it from place to place. They next prepared an 
Ark, or chest, which was covered, within and without, 
with plates of pure gold. In this Ark were enclosed 
the Tables of the Law, and the whole was placed in 
the Tabernacle, and kept with the greatest reverence. 
God called Aaron to the priesthood, and com- 
manded that none should ever perform the office of 
priest, except the sons of Aaron, and their descend- 
ants. He ordered the people to make costly vest- 
Describe the Tabernacle. What is said of Aaron and his 
sons? 



WANDERING IN THE DESERT. 51 

ments for them to wear when they were engaged in 
ottering sacrifice, or in any other solemn function. 

After the Tabernacle was set up, God sent a 
mysterious cloud, which rested upon it. This cloud 
remained stationary while the Tabernacle rested in the 
same place, but moved when it was carried forward. 

Aaron and his sons were the first men who were 
solemnly set apart to do the office of priests ; and the 
worship of God was now conducted, for the first time, 
with regularly appointed ceremonies. 



CHAPTEE XXIII. 

WANDERING IN THE DESERT. JUDGMENTS OF GOD. 

ON one occasion, a man having violated the 
Sabbath, by gathering sticks upon that day, 
Moses consulted God in prayer as to the punishment 
he should inflict. The Lord commanded that the 
guilty man should be stoned to death without the 
camp. The same occurred with regard to an Israelite 
who had blasphemed in the heat of passion. 

As the Israelites drew near Canaan, the Land 
of Promise, Moses sent forward twelve spies to view 
the country. These, on their return, praised the 
beauty and fertility of the land, and exhibited a huge 
bunch of grapes and other fruits as a proof of what 

Relate the punishment of the Sabbath breaker. What was the 
report of the twelve spies ? 



52 BIBLE HISTORY. 

they said. They declared, however, that the men of 
Canaan were ferocious and gigantic warriors, and that 
their towns were so well fortified that it would be 
madness to invade the country. Two of the spies, 
Caleb and Josue, spoke in a different spirit and ex- 
horted the people to go forward boldly, trusting in 
God. In reward of their faith, these two were per- 
mitted to enter the promised land ; the rest of the 
multitude who had come out of Egypt, died in the 
wilderness. 

The Israelites determined now to choose an- 
other leader, and to return to Egypt. Core, Dathan, 
and Abiron, with other leading men, declared also that 
they had the same right as Aaron and his sons to 
exercise the priestly functions. Moses told them, as 
they wished to be priests, they might make the trial. 
Centers were given them, and the multitude stood afar 
off, watching the result. Scarcely had Core and his 
two companions kindled the incense, when the earth 
opened, and swallowed up the three leaders, with their 
tents, and everything which they possessed. Fire, at 
the same time, came out of the ground, and destroyed 
the two hundred and fifty Israelites, who had joined 
in their sedition. 

The Israelites soon forgot these judgments in 
their w r eariness and discontent. On one occasion, God 
punished their murmurs, by sending into the camp a 
great number of venomous serpents, whose bite caused 
a burning pain, like that of lire. After many of the 



Give an account of the sedition of Core. 






\0 




BALAAM THE SOOTHSAYER. 53 

people had died, Moses lifted up in the camp a brazen 
serpent, and those who had been bitten only needed 
to look at this, when they were immediately cured. 

The fiery serpents were a figure of sin, but the 
brazen serpent was an emblem of Christ, who was 
lifted up on the cross, that we might look to Him, and 
be healed. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

BALAAM THE SOOTHSAYER. DEATH OF MOSES. 

AS the Israelites, in their wanderings, drew near 
-^\ to the Promised Land, they began to meet with 
warlike tribes who opposed their progress. They 
gained so many victories over these pagans, that they 
were feared by all the surrounding people. Balac, 
king of the Moabites, sent to Balaam, a man who had 
the reputation of being a great prophet. He begged 
him to come and curse the Israelites, that they might 
conquer them. Balaam was warned by God that he 
should not do this ; he refused, therefore, telling the 
messengers that he dared not curse a people whom 
God had blessed. The king sent again ; and as Balaam 
was fond of money, he was tempted by the rich pres- 
ents that were offered him, and consented to go. 
On the way, a great wonder happened ; for an 

What was the brazen serpent, and why is it remarkable? 
What did the king of the Moabites ask of Balaam ? 



54 BIBLE HISTORY. 

angel stood in a narrow path, and would not suffer the 
ass on which the prophet rode to go any farther. 
Then he began to beat the animal, but God opened 
its mouth, and it spoke to rebuke him. ■ Immediately 
he saw the angel, and was so much terrified, that lie 
fell prostrate on the ground. Then the angel ordered 
him to go to Balac, but to speak nothing regarding 
the Israelites save what God should put into his heart. 

Balaam went as he had been commanded. Balac 
led him to a place where sacrifices had been prepared, 
and desired him to curse his enemies. Balaam tried 
three times to do as the king wished, but each time 
he spoke blessings instead. He was forced by God 
to prophesy many things concerning the Israelites. 
He spoke of the coming of Christ, saying : " A star 
shall rise out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall spring up 
from Israel." 

Moses had now brought the Israelites as far as 
the river Jordan, which he was not permitted to pass. 
He knew his death to be at hand, and desired at least 
to look upon the Land of Promise, before he closed 
his eyes. He ascended Mount Nebo, which com- 
manded a view of the country : there he gave his last 
blessing to the tribes of Israel, and expired peacefully 
in the hundred and twentieth year of his age. 

Moses was buried in the valley of the land of 
Moab ; but no one has ever known the place of his 
tomb. 



What occurred to Balaam on his journey ? Give an account of 
the death of Moses. 



i 



THE ISRAELITES ENTER THE PROMISED LAND. 55 
THE PENTATEUCH. 

The events we have related are contained in the 
Pentateuch, or five books of Moses, which embrace a 
period of about 2553 years. The first book is called 
Genesis, the second Exodus, the third Leviticus, the 
fourth Numbers, the fifth Deuteronomy. This last 
book was not concluded by Moses, but by some other 
inspired writer after his death. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

THE ISRAELITES ENTER THE PROMISED LAND. — VICTORIES 

OF JOSUE. 

AFTER the death of Moses, Josue was ac- 
l knowledged as his successor in the government. 
The Israelites under his command prepared to pass the 
Jordan, that they might enter the Land of Promise. 
When they came to the banks of the river, which was 
wide and deep, they had no means of crossing. By 
the command of Josue, the priests advanced first, 
carrying the Ark, and when their feet touched the 
water, the stream divided ; on one side, the waters 
flowed away to the sea ; on the other, they were piled 
up like a mountain. This continued until the whole 

What period of time do the books of Moses embrace ? What 
is the first book ? What is the second book ? The third ? The 
fourth ? The fifth ? Relate the passage of the Jordan. 



56 BIBLE HISTORY. 

multitude had passed over, walking on the bed of the 
river. The Israelites had now entered the Land of 
Promise; and the day on which they first ate of 
the corn growing in the country, the manna ceased 
to fall. 

Josue was obliged to attack Jericho, a town which 
was strongly fortified, while he had no engines of war, 
nor anything requisite for a siege. He was encouraged 
by an angel, and trusting in God, he directed the Is- 
raelites to march each morning in procession around 
the walls ; the priests going first, carrying the Ark 
and sounding trumpets. The inhabitants of Jericho 
were amused at this singular display, but on the 
seventh morning, as the trumpets sounded, and the 
people shouted together, the walls of the city fell down, 
and the Israelites entered it on every side. This was 
one of the many miracles which the Almighty wrought 
in favor of his servant. 

Josue continued his victorious career, and in about 
six years was in possession of the entire territory which 
had been promised to the Israelites. 

As the Land of Promise was parcelled out after- 
wards among the twelve tribes, it may be as well to 
explain how the division was made. Jacob had twelve 
sons, but when he was dying, he adopted Ephraim 
and Manasse the sons of Joseph, to be counted as his 
own, and to receive an equal share with his sons. 
There were therefore thirteen heirs, but the land was 

Give an account of the taking of Jericho. How was the Land 
of Promise divided? 



ISRAEL GOVERNED BY JUDGES. 57 

only divided into twelve portions, because the tribe 
of Levi was set apart for the service of God, and had 
no lands, being supported by the tithes paid by the 
other tribes. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

ISRAEL GOVERNED BY JUDGES. CALEB. DEBBORA. 

UPON the death of Josue, the aged Caleb was 
appointed to govern Israel. He won many vic- 
tories, but after his death the people fell into great 
disorders. Instead of being united, each tribe made 
peace or war as it chose, and the neighboring people 
ceased to fear them. What was still worse, they 
married w T ith the idolatrous inhabitants of the land, 
until, at length, they worshipped idols, like the 
heathens around them. God made use of these, to 
punish the sins of the Israelites. Sometimes they 
were conquered, and reduced to slavery ; indeed, they 
suffered so much, that their misery caused them to 
return to God. 

In this world, when we have insulted our bene- 
factors, there is but little hope in appealing to them 
again ; but God is more generous than any earthly 
friend, and is always ready to pardon those who are 
truly penitent. He favored the Israelites by giving 
them leaders, who were called Judges. 

W lio succeeded Josue ? Did the Israelites continue faithful to 
God? 



58 BIBLE HISTORY. 

We must remember, in learning this history, that 
the Jews lived under what is called a Theocracy ; that 
is, under the direct government of God, who punished 
them visibly in this world, when they fell into sin, 
and when they repented, generally delivered them in 
some miraculous manner. There was also in Israel, 
a constant succession of inspired prophets, and the 
Judges frequently worked miracles. God does not 
govern the world now in this manner, and misfortunes 
are not a proof of sin, neither are good people always 
recompensed in this life. 

Debbora, a wise and holy woman, was Judge 
of Israel at a time when the country was laid waste 
by Sisara, general of the Chanaanites. She assembled 
an army of ten thousand men, and commanded her 
general Barac to march against the enemy. She 
promised him the victory, but declared that Sisara 
was destined to fall by the hand of a woman. 

All happened as Debbora had foretold. When 
the Chanaanites were flying, Sisara took refuge in the 
tent of Jahel, the wife of Haber. Being spent with 
fatigue, he threw himself upon the ground and slept. 
As he lay there helpless, Jahel took one of the nails 
which fastened the tent, and with a hammer drove it 
through his temples, and nailed him to the ground. 

Debbora continued to govern Israel for forty 
years, during which time the people enjoyed great 
prosperity. 

Under what form of government did they live? Relate the 
defeat and death of Sisara. How long did Debbora govern Israel ? 



GEDEON. 59 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

GEDEON. — SAMSON. B.C. 1241. 

AFTER the death of Debbora, the Israelites 
^jL again fell into such crimes that God gave them 
up, for seven years, to the Madianites. The Israelites 
at length turned to God in their distress ; He heard 
their cries, and chose Gedeon, a brave young man, of 
an obscure family, to be their deliverer. 

Gedeon was unwilling to take upon himself so 
great a thing, and doubted of the command of God. 
He asked and obtained two miracles, by which he was 
reassured. On one night a fleece which he had spread 
upon the ground was saturated with dew, while the 
grass around remained dry. The following night the 
contrary took place ; the fleece remained dry, while the 
dew lay heavy all around. 

Gedeon assembled a large army, but as God 
desired their success to be wholly miraculous, He 
commanded him to reduce the number until at length 
there were but three hundred men to march against 
the great host of the Madianites. The leader equipped 
these in a most singular manner. Each man carried 
in his right hand a trumpet and in his left a pitcher 
with a burning lamp set in it. When night was come, 

What miracle did Gedeon obtain of God ? What are we told 
of the numbers of Gedeon's army ? 



60 BIBLE HISTORY. 

the three hundred were distributed in bands around 
the valley in which the Madianites were encamped. At 
a given signal, they broke their pitchers, and lifting 
their lamps as torches, sounded their trumpets and 
rushed upon the enemy. The Madianites imagined 
they were attacked by an immense host, and were 
thrown into the utmost confusion, so that the Israelites 
gained a decisive victory. Gedeon judged the people 
for many years. 

Samson was among the most remarkable of the 
Judges of Israel. He was chosen by God to chastise 
the insolence of the Philistines, and was endowed with 
miraculous strength. On one occasion Samson slew 
single-handed one thousand of the enemy, having no 
other weapon but the jaw-bone of an ass. ISTo prison 
was strong enough to hold him, nor could the Philis- 
tines bind him with any chains however strong. On 
one occasion they shut him up in the town -of Gaza, 
and believed they had him secure ; but Samson tore the 
city gates from their bolts and fastenings, and throw- 
ing them on his shoulder, walked away as if he carried 
no burden. 

This great hero fell at length through his own 
weakness. He had married Delila, an idolatrous 
woman, and the Philistines won her, by a promise of 
money, to betray her husband. For this end she tried 
to discover the secret of his wonderful strength. After 

In what manner did Gedeon conquer the Madianites ? Relate 
some of the exploits of Samson. What occarrej at Gaza? JH ^ T 
was Samson betrayed ? 




K, 



STORY OF RUTH. 61 

much entreatv, Samson confessed that he had been 
forbidden to have his hair cut, and that his great 
strength depended on his obedience in this particular. 
The treacherous wife waited until Samson slept, when 
she had his head shorn. When Samson awoke, and 
saw his enemies about him, he thought to put them 
to flight ; but found himself as weak as a woman. The 
Philistines put out his eyes, and set him, like a beast 
of burden, to grind in a mill. 

One evening the Philistines were celebrating a 
great banquet, and they sent for Samson to play for 
them. The hero, who had truly repented of his fault, 
be^ed of God to restore his strength. He then seized 
the pillars of the house, and shook them violently, so 
that the building fell, and he, with a vast number of 
Philistines, was buried in the ruins. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

STORY OF RUTH. 



THE short story of Ruth belongs to the same 
time as the history of Judges, and forms a book 
by itself. 

At a time when the land of Israel was suffering 
much from famine, Elimelech, a citizen of Bethlehem, 
went, with Noemi, his wife, and their two sons, into 

How was Samson treated by the Philistines ? What was the 
manner of his death ? * 



62 BIBLE HISTORY. 

the country of the Moabites. After his death, Noemi 
married her two sons to two young Moabite women, 
Orpha and Ruth. The young men died, leaving no 
children, and Noemi told her daughters-in-law that she 
wished to return, and die in her own country. Orpha 
and Euth declared that they would accompany her to 
Bethlehem; but Noemi advised them not to do so, 
saying that it would be better for them to remain with 
their wealthy relatives. She said that she was poor 
and friendless, and would only be more miserable if 
she saw them suffering on her account. 

Orpha yielded to these reasons, and returned to 
her father ; but Ruth refused to leave her mother-in- 
law, saying: "Be not against me, to desire that I 
should leave thee, and depart : for whithersoever thou 
shalt go, I will go : and where thou shalt dwell, I 
also will dwell. Thy people shall be my people, 
and thy God, my God. The land that shall receive 
thee dying, in the same will I die : and there wdll I 
be buried." 

When they arrived in Bethlehem, it was harvest 
time, and Ruth asked her mother to let her go into 
the field, among the gleaners, and gather the ears of 
corn which the reapers left. Ruth went by chance 
into the field of a rich man, named Booz. He had 
heard how affectionate and dutiful she had been to her 
mother, and treated her with much kindness. He 
ordered the reapers to behave courteously to her, and 

Who was Ruth, and how did she reply to the entreaties of her 
mother-in-law ? How did Ruth employ herself in Bethlehem ? 



BIRTH OF SAMUEL. 63 

to scatter corn on purpose, so that Ruth might gather 
a quantity, without any trouble. 

Booz was afterwards married to Ruth ; they had 
one son who was called Obed. He was the father of 
Isai, and the grandfather of David the king. Ruth is 
mentioned by name in the genealogy of the Messiah. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

BERTH OF SAMUEL. PUNISHMENT OF HELI AND HIS SONS. 

ELCANA and Anna, the parents of this great 
prophet, had been married many years, without 
having any children. Anna besought God that He 
would give her a son ; she fasted and prayed, and, at 
length, bound herself by a vow that, if God granted 
her petition, she would consecrate her son to the service 
of the temple. When Samuel was born, the pious 
mother did not forget her vow, and as soon as the 
child was weaned, she carried him to Heli, the high- 
priest. This generous sacrifice was rewarded by God, 
who gave to Elcana and Anna other sons and daugh-. 
ters to comfort their old age, and bestowed the choicest 
graces on little Samuel. 

It would seem that Heli was himself a pious man, 
but his sons were so wicked that all Israel was scan- 
dalized at their conduct. Heli knew of this, and re- 
Relate the story of her marriage. Relate the circumstances 
attending the birth of Samuel. 



(54 BIBLE HISTORY. 

proved them ; but he did not punish them with the 
severity which their crimes deserved. God had sent a 
holy man to reproach him with this weakness ; but as 
he still spared his sons, He sent him another warning 
by the little Samuel. 

Heli loved the boy, and had him sleep in a place 
adjoining his own apartment. In the silence of the 
night, Samuel heard a voice calling him by name; and 
supposing that Heli had spoken, he ran and asked him 
what he desired. The high-priest said that he had not 
called, and bade Samuel compose himself to sleep. 
He had scarcely obeyed this order when the same 
voice called again, and he returned to Heli. When 
this had happened a third time, the high-priest knew 
that the voice was from God, and he told Samuel, if it 
came again, to answer : a Speak, Lord, for thy servant 
heareth." The child obeyed, and God revealed to him 
the heavy punishment which Heli's wicked sons had 
drawn down upon themselves, and upon the people of 
Israel. The Lord declared that while the sons should 
suffer for their own crimes, the father should also be 
punished for his negligence. 

When Heli heard what the Lord had spoken, he 
submitted humbly to the divine chastisement which 
was not long delayed. 

The Israelites were engaged in war with the 
Philistines, who defeated them in many battles. In- 
stead of turning to God, they only thought of carrying 
the Ark into their camp as if they meant to force the 

How did Heli offend God ? What warning did lie receive? 






THE ARK SENT BACK BY THE PHILISTINES. 65 

Almighty to take their part. In the next battle they 
were shamefully defeated ; the Ark fell into the hands 
of the Philistines, and the two wicked sons of Heli 
were slain. 

A soldier who had escaped brought this terrible 
news* to the aged Heli. When he learned that the 
Ark was taken, he fell backward from his seat and 
expired. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

THE ARK SENT BACK BY THE PHILISTINES. 

ALTHOUGH the presence of the Ark had been 
-±\. of no advantage to the Israelites, God did not 
permit the idolaters to insnlt it with impunity. They 
had carried it in triumph, and set it up as a trophy in 
the temple of Dagon, in the town of Azotus. The 
next morning, the idol was found lying prostrate before 
the Ark, with its hands and head lopped off. Next, 
the inhabitants of the town were struck with a painful 
disease, dreadful ulcers appearing on their bodies. 
The Azotians were terrified, and resolved to remove 
the Ark to some other town. It was sent accordingly, 
from place to place, but the scourge of God every- 
where followed, and the whole country was in conster- 
nation. 

How were the menaces of God fulfilled ? What effect had the 
presence of the Ark upon the Philistines? 



66 BIBLE HISTORY. 

The Philistines consulted their wise men and 
soothsayers, and by their advice, resolved to send the 
Ark to the Israelites, offering at the same time rich 
presents. 

The Ark was received with great joy by the 
inhabitants of the town of Bethsames ; but as thev were 
severely punished for not behaving with sufficient re- 
spect, they sent it to Cariathiarim, where it was placed 
in the house of Abinadab, a virtuous citizen. Here, it 
became a source of abundant blessings not only to the 
family of Abinadab, but to the whole surrounding 
country. 

The Ark has been considered a figure of the 
Blessed Sacrament, whose presence is either a source 
of abundant blessings, or of greater condemnation, 
according to the disposition of our hearts. 

The Israelites returned sincerely to God, and the 
land enjoyed a long period of prosperity under the 
government of the prophet Samuel, the last Judge of 
Israel. 

What did the Philistines do by the advice of their wise men ? 



FOURTH PERIOD, 

ISRAEL GOVERNED BY KINGS. 



CHAPTEK XXXI. 

SAUL, FIRST KING OF ISRAEL. B. C. 1091. 

O AMDEL, growing old and infirm, committed a 
^ great share of liis authority to his sons, who 
possessed neither his wisdom nor his virtue. The con- 
sequences were most unfortunate. The people became 
generally discontented, and imagined that they would 
be happier and more powerful if they lived under the 
government of a king, like the pagan nations around 
them. They were attracted, also, by the pomp and 
grandeur of royalty, and did not consider that the 
splendor of the court must always be sustained by the 
tod and suffering of the poor. 

God directed Samuel to declare to the Israelites 
how great a burthen they were imposing on them- 
selves, in demanding a king. He bade him tell them 
that they would be crushed by the heavy taxes levied 
to support royal magnificence; that they would see 

What error did Samuel commit in Ids old age ? What did the 
Israelites imagine ? 



68 BIBLE HISTORY. 

their sons and daughters reduced to bondage, and the 
flower of their youth perishing in unjust and un- 
necessary wars. Then they would cry to the Lord for 
help, and He would not hear them. 

Samuel spoke to the people the words of God, 
but they paid no heed to his remonstrances. And the 
Lord said to Samuel : " Hearken to their voice, and 
make them a king." 

There was a man of the tribe of Benjamin, called 
Cis; he had a son whose name was Saul. The 
prophet, knowing by divine revelation that he was 
chosen by God, anointed him privately, saluting him 
king of Israel. He then assembled the people, and 
having cast lots, they fell upon Saul. Samuel pre- 
sented him to the people, and bade them observe the 
stately height and beauty of the man whom God had 
given them for a ruler. The Israelites looked on Saul, 
and were struck with such admiration, that they ex- 
claimed with one voice : " God save the king." 



CHAPTER XXXII, 

REIGN OF SAUL. 



SAUL fought bravely against the Philistines, 
and gained many victories. Soon, however, he 
began to disregard the counsels of the prophet Samuel, 

How did the Lord answer their petition ? Under what circum- 
stances was Saul anointed? How did the people receive their 
new king ? 



/ 



REIGN OF SAUL. 69 

and even the commands of God. On one occasion, 
being impatient because the prophet delayed coming 
to offer sacrifice, Saul usurped the priestly functions, 
and set fire to the holocaust. Again, when God had 
warned him by the mouth of Samuel that he was to 
destroy the booty taken from the Amalecites, he re- 
served for himself the most precious spoils, and spared 
the wicked king Agag. 

It was in vain that Samuel reproved the unhappy 
Saul ; if he repented, it was only for a little time, 
without any real amendment. Then God commanded 
Samuel to choose one of the sons of Isai of Bethlehem, 
and to anoint him privately as king of Israel. The 
prophet, on seeing David, the youngest son of Isai, 
recognized him as the king chosen by God. He arose, 
and anointed him with oil, and from that moment, the 
spirit of God departed from Saul and rested on David. 
The latter was then in the first bloom of youth, meek 
and gentle in his disposition, and gifted with un- 
common skill in music. 

Saul was now given up to his passions, and was 
at times possessed by an evil spirit, so that all around 
him were in fear. Some of his officers proposed that 
a skillful musician might be sought to play before the 
king, and calm his frenzy. By a particular providence 
of God, David was chosen to this office. He remained 

What fault did Saul commit ? Relate the history of Saul's dis- 
obedience. How did Samuel reprove this fault ? Was the repent- 
ance of Saul deep or sincere? How did Samuel choose a king for 
the Israelites ? 



70 BIBLE HISTORY. 

some time at court, and formed an intimate friendship 
with Jonathan, the son of Saul, a brave and generous 
youth. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

VICTORY OF DAVID OVER GOLIATH. 

WAR was renewed with the Philistines, ana 
Isai having sent his oldest sons to the field, 
David returned to tend the flocks. On one occasion, 
being sent with provisions to the camp, he saw a 
Philistine of gigantic stature standing between the 
two armies, defying the Israelites, and speaking blas- 
phemies against God. This man was about ten feet 
in height, and was clothed in brazen armor, bearing 
weapons proportioned to his bulk. Each morning 
Goliath renewed his boastings, challenging the bravest 
of the Israelites to meet him in single combat. It 
was in vain that Saul promised honors, wealth, and 
the hand of his daughter, to any one who should slay 
the Philistine — all were terrified by his aspect. 

On beholding this disgrace the heart of David 
burned within him, and he offered boldly to under- 
take the combat. His brothers scoffed at his presump- 
tion, and the king told him that it was mere folly for 
a boy to go out against so terrible and well-tried a 
warrior as Goliath. David answered with modest 



In what manner did David minister to Saul in bis frenzy? 



REIGN OF SAUL. 71 

firmness. He told the king that in defence of his 
father's flocks he had slain a lion and a bear ; and he 
doubted not but that God would strengthen his arm, 
and give him the victory over Goliath also. 

David refused the armor which Saul would have 
given him, and went forth armed only with a sling, 
and a few stones which he had picked up from the bed 
of the torrent. 

Goliath received the young champion with shouts 
of derision, but David, invoking the name of the Lord, 
placed a stone in his sling, and sent it with a whirl, 
full against the giant's forehead. Goliath fell flat upon 
'his face, and David, running up to him, as he lay 
prostrate, cut off his head with the great sword in 
which he had trusted. The Philistines, seeing their 
champion slain, fled in dismay ; while the Israelites 
pursued them and gained an easy victory. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

REIGN OF SAUL CONTINUED. 

SAUL praised the valor of David in public, but 
his heart was filled with jealousy, and when 
he heard the women singing: "Saul has killed his 
thousands, but David his tens of thousands," his anger 
knew no bounds. From that time forth David was 

Relate the history of David's combat with Goliath. What 
excited the jealousy of Saul? 



72 BIBLE HISTORY. 

obliged to endure a constant persecution, so that his 
life was frequently in danger. 

Saul had consented reluctantly to the marriage 
of David with his daughter Michol. This alliance, 
however, only made his position more dangerous, and 
Jonathan, after trying in vain to soften his father's 
heart, advised his friend to seek safety in flight. The 
young men parted secretly, weeping, and consoling one 
another with hopes of better days. 

Saul was so enraged at the news of David's flight, 
that he ordered the high-priest Achimelech and all his 
household to be slain, simply because they had given 
food and shelter to the distressed fugitive. * 

Many brave Israelites attached themselves to the 
fortunes of David, but their numbers only increased 
his embarrassment as it was very difficult to provide 
them with food. For many years he wandered from 
one wilderness to another, taking refuge in caverns, 
but everywhere pursued by the vindictive Saul. 

Twice it was in the power of David to have 
freed himself from all his troubles by taking the life 
of Saul, but he refused to stain his hands with the 
blood of one who, however unworthy, he regarded as 
his sovereign. Saul was touched by this generosity ; 
called David his son, and promised that he should 
never more have reason to complain of his conduct. 
These good resolutions were, as usual, soon forgotten. 

Did Jonathan behave in the same manner? Relate the parting 
of David and Jonathan. What aid did David receive from Achim- 
elech ? Relate the slaughter of Achimelech and the priests. 
How did David behave when he had the lite of Saul in his power? 



DEATH OF SAUL. 73 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

DEATH OF SAUL. 

T TTTi war with the Philistines was renewed, 
and Saul prepared to march against them. The 
unhappy king had forfeited the favor of G-od and the 
confidence of his people, and his heart was filled with 
sadness. Samuel was dead, and the prophets whom 
he consulted were not permitted to give him any 
answer regarding the events of the war. 

It was the eve of battle, and Saul, instead of 
having recourse to God in prayer, determined to con- 
sult a noted sorceress who dwelt at Endor. AVhen 
Saul addressed this woman, she was afraid to answer, 
the penalty of death being decreed by the king's own 
laws against all who practised unlawful arts. Saul 
at length reassured her, and besought her to raise for 
him the spirit of Samuel. 

The sorceress had scarcely commenced her incan- 
tations when Samuel appeared with a majestic and 
terrible aspect. The apparition spoke, and reproved 
Saul for profanely disturbing his rest, and when the 
unhappy king pleaded his great distress, Samuel un- 
folded to him the events of the coming battle ; and 
ended by telling him that he and his three sons should 
be numbered with the slain. At this dreadful news, 

Give au account of the visit of Saul to the sorceress. 



74 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Saul's strength failed him, and he sank fainting on 
the ground. 

All occurred as Samuel had foretold ; Jonathan 
and his brothers fell fighting valiantly ; Saul was griev- 
ously wounded, and seeing that all was lost, the unhappy 
prince crowned his evil deeds by taking his own life. 

It is generally thought that the spirit of the pro- 
phet was really sent by God to rebuke the wickedness 
of Saul. The sorceress could not possibly have sum- 
moned any spirit from the dead, but she was probably 
able to raise phantoms by her wicked arts, to deceive 
those who consulted her. For the sake of those who 
imagine that there is no harm in trying to hold inter- 
course with the dead by mediums, etc., it is well to 
remark that Holy Scripture, in enumerating the crimes 
of Saul, names his visit to the sorceress as one of the 
greatest. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

DAVID, KING OF ISRAEL. 

THE defeat of the Israelites, and the death of 
their king, caused universal rejoicing among the 
Philistines. They sent the head of Saul through all 
the country, that none might doubt of his death, after 
which they hung it as a trophy in the temple of their 
god Dagon. 

How did David receive the news of Saul's death? 



DAVID, KING OF ISRAEL. 75 

David, on the other hand, seemed to forget that 
he was delivered from a cruel enemy, and lamented 
his death and that of Jonathan with bitter tears. 

When all Israel had submitted to David, he 
undertook many warlike expeditions. He reduced 
the strong fortress of Jerusalem, which w r as situated 
on Mount Sion, and having repaired the castle, chose 
it for his future residence. From that time forth 
Jerusalem was called the city of David. 

The piety of the king led him to prepare a 
magnificent pavilion on Mount Sion in which to place 
the Ark of God. The translation, or removal, of the 
Ark was interrupted by a mournful accident. While 
the people advanced in joyful procession with the 
sound of harp and timbrel, one of the oxen which 
drew the wain grew restive. A man named Oza, 
fearing for the Ark, reached forth his hand to support 
it, and was immediatelv struck dead. The action was 
simply imprudent, but God wished to impress on the 
light-minded Israelites how great was the reverence 
due to holy things. 

-David was so terrified by this event that it 
was many years before he dared to bring the Ark to 
Mount Sion. 

This dreadful judgment should make us seriously 
reflect on the reverence due holy things. If such 
regard was paid to the Ark, which held only the 
Tables of the Law, what should be the respect of 

What place did lie choose for his residence? What occurred at 
the translation of the Ark ? What reflections should we make ? 



76 BEBLE HISTORY. 

Christians in presence of the Tabernacle, which con- 
tains Our Lord Himself under the sacramental forms. 

David subdued many of the neighboring people : 
Philistines, Syrians, Edomites, Moabites, with other 
less powerful nations. His dominions were thus en- 
larged, and vast Quantities of gold and silver, and 
other booty, had been brought to Jerusalem. 

The king had built a splendid palace for his own 
residence, and his piety reproached him for dwelling 
in a house of cedar, while the Ark of the Lord rested 
in a tent. He formed the design of building a temple, 
in which a suitable place might be prepared for the 
Tables of the Law, and where sacrifices could be 
offered with more pomp and solemnity. 

Before taking any step in the matter, David 
consulted the prophet Nathan. This holy man told 
the King that God would reward his pious desires, 
but that the glory of building a temple to his name 
was reserved for the son who should succeed him. 



CHAPTER XXXYII. 

REIGN OF DAVID CONCLUDED. 

DAVID, who had triumphed over the enemies 
of Israel, was overcome by his own evil passions 
so that he became guilty of two great crimes. Becom- 
ing acquainted with Bethsabee, the wife of a valiant 

Why did not David build a temple? How did David sin ? 



!V!;1 




REIGN OF DAVID. 77 

soldier named Urias, he led her to forget her duty to 
God, and to her husband. Then, as one crime leads 
on another, he caused Urias to be treacherously slain, 
and took Bethsabee as his wife. God would not 
abandon one who had so long been faithful to his 
service, and the prophet Nathan was sent to reprove 
the guilty king. David sought no excuse for his sin, 
and his contrition was so deep and sincere that the 
prophet declared to him, on the part of God, that he 
was already forgiven. He told him nevertheless, that 
he must bear the punishments which the Almighty 
would send in this life, and that they would be many 
and grievous. 

The first blow which fell ,on the penitent king 
was the death of an infant son. Soon after his favorite 
son Absalom slew his brother Amnon at a banquet. 
The murderer fled, but after two years exile was rec- 
onciled to his father. 

The ungrateful Absalom soon after rebelled 
against David, and raised so large an army that the 
unhappy king was obliged to seek safety in flight. 
All true Israelites were shocked at the conduct of the 
unnatural son, and flocked to the standard of the king. 
David gave the command of the army to Joab, and 
sent him against the rebels, with strict orders to spare 
the life of Absalom. Joab gained a complete victory ; 
twenty thousand of the enemy lay upon the field, 
while Absalom and the rest sought safety in flight. 

Who was sent to reproach him? How was he punished? Re- 
late the rebellion and deatli of Absalom. 



78 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Absalom had always prided himself on his beauty, 
particularly on his long and flowing hair. As he fled 
through the forest, the lower branches of a thick- 
spreading oak became entangled in his hair, and 
dragged him from his mule, which passed on, 
leaving him hanging to the tree. Joab heard what 
had happened, and taking three spears in his hand, 
he drove them all into the heart of the wretched 
prince. 

David mourned deeply for his guilty son, thus 
cut off in his sin, but the people rejoiced, and peace 
was restored to Israel. 

A period of happiness and prosperity marked 
the close of David's reign. Feeling his end approach- 
ing, he chose Solomon, the son of Bethsabee, as his 
successor on the throne, and expired peacefully, having 
reigned over Israel forty years. 

The repentance of David was not a passing 
emotion, but a sorrow which ended only with his life. 
We see the expression of this in the Penitential Psalms, 
which the Church offers to our devotion as showing 
the sentiments of a humble and contrite heart. 

What is related of David's last days? 



REIGN OF SOLOMON. 79 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

REIGN OF SOLOMON. 

SOON after Solomon came to the throne, God 
promised in a dream to grant him whatever favor 
he might choose. Solomon reflected on the difficulty 
of governing a great people, and chose wisdom as the 
most desirable gift. God was pleased that Solomon 
had neither asked for riches, nor for a long life, nor 
for victory over his enemies. He bestowed on him, 
therefore, not only wisdom, but riches and glory such 
as no king of Israel enjoyed, either before or after. 

The young king became celebrated, not only for 
the wisdom with which he judged the most difficult 
cases, but for his knowledge of the revolutions of the 
heavenly bodies, the habits of birds and beasts, the prop- 
erties of plants, and all the hidden secrets of nature. 

Peace and plenty marked his reign, and Solomon, 
seeing himself blessed with such wonderful prosperity, 
remembered the words of his father David, and re- 
solved to build a temple for the worship of God, which 
should surpass in grandeur everything which the world 
had seen. 

Besides the gold which David had amassed with 
this intention, Solomon had brought to him, in ships 
from Ophir, quantities of gold-dust and precious stones. 

What gift did Solomon ask of God ? 



80 BIBLE HISTOKY. 

The ships and sailors were furnished by Hiram, king 
of Tyre. 

Judea did not afford a sufficient supply of cedar 
wood, and Solomon made arrangements with King 
Hiram for as much as he should need of firs and cedars 
from Mount Libanus. Thirty thousand men were 
employed in hewing trees and conveying them to the 
sea, eighty thousand were engaged in the mountain 
quarries, cutting and polishing stones, and seventy 
thousand were constantly employed in transporting 
materials. When a sufficient quantity had been pre- 
pared, King Hiram sent to Solomon a man named 
also Hiram, a renowned architect. Under his direc- 
tion the work proceeded so prosperously that the time 
from the laying of the first stone to the completion of 
the whole, was but seven years and six months. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE. 

THE temple was built on Mount Moriah, and 
the greater part consisted of vast courts paved 
with variegated marble, and surrounded by covered 
porticoes supported by columns. The mountain side 
was graded so that each court was perfectly level, and 
communicated with the one above by a flight of steps. 

What preparations did he make for building a temple ! Describe 
the Temple Courts. 



82 BIBLE HISTORY. 

censers, vessels for perfumes, bowls, mortars of gold, 
and a vast number of utensils necessary for divine 
service. Along the walls were garlands of lilies and 
pomegranates, and golden palm-trees standing out in 
full relief. 



CHAPTEE XL. 



DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE (b. C. 999). FALL AND 

DEATH OF SOLOMON (b. C. 97l). 

HAVING completed the Temple, Solomon 
prepared to dedicate it in a solemn manner to 
Almighty God. The people assembled in vast num- 
bers and the ceremonies of the dedication were con- 
ducted with great magnificence. God was pleased to 
show his acceptance of this homage, for as the priest 
and people chanted together : " The Lord is good, and 
His mercy endureth forever," a cloud of glory de- 
scended and filled the Temple. Fire also came down 
from Heaven and consumed the holocausts, so that the 
people fell prostrate on the ground, adoring God. 

The Fathers of the Church make many reflections upon the 
magnificence displayed by Solomon, and the great reverence which 
was shown toward the holy place. They consider the far greater 
sanctity of the most humble chapel in which the Holy Sacrifice is 
now offered, and the obligation imposed upon every true believer of 
showing proper respect to the house of God. In Solomon's Temple 
were the Tables of the Law, while upon our altars we adore Jesus 
Christ, the Giver of the Law, really present under the sacramental 
forms. 

Describe the Feast of the Dedication. 






DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE. 83 

Solomon built for himself a sumptuous palace, 
and the fame of his riches, power, and wisdom was 
spread among the most distant nations. 

Among the illustrious strangers who were drawn 
to Jerusalem, the Queen of Sheba was the most distin- 
guished. This princess governed the country now 
called Abyssinia. She came to Jerusalem with a 
magnificent retinue, bringing costly presents of gold, 
precious stones, and the rich perfumes for w r hich her 
country was famed. 

The close of the reign of Solomon was as melan- 
choly and disgraceful as its opening had been bright 
and glorious. The law of Moses permitted a plurality 
of wives, but Solomon had no fewer than a thousand, 
of whom seven hundred held the rank of queen. Many 
of these women were Egyptians and Moabites; and 
Solomon not only erected temples to their different 
idols, but partook himself in their impious worship. 

God "warned the guilty king of the judgments 
reserved for his race. He told him by the mouth of 
the prophet Ahias, that after his death his kingdom 
would be divided ; and the greater part would be 
given, not to his son, but to his servant Jeroboam. 

Whether this warning made any impression on 
the heart of Solomon we do not know. He died after 
a reign of forty years, leaving the world in doubt 
whether he ended his life the friend or the enemy of 
his Creator. 

Wlio was the queen of Sheba ? Into what sins did Solomon 
fall ? What warning did he receive? 



FIFTH PERIOD. 

FROM THE SEPARATION OF THE TEN TRIBES (B.C. 971) 
TO THE DEATH OF THE MACHABEES. 



CHAPTEK XLI. 



ROBOAM. SEPARATION OF THE TEN TRIBES (b. C. 97l). 

IDOLATRY OF JEROBOAM. 

THE vast wealth amassed by Solomon proved 
insufficient to maintain the sinful luxury and 
splendor in which he indulged during his latter years. 
He had burdened the people with heavy taxes, and 
they now sent an humble petition to Roboam praying 
that some of these might be remitted. The old coun- 
sellors of the late king advised Roboam to grant this 
reasonable request. His young companions, on the 
other hand, assured him that severity was the best 
means of establishing his power. The rash prince 
followed their advice and dismissed the deputies with 
threats, telling them that his father had beaten them 
witli whips, but that he w T ould scourge them with 
scorpions. 

When the people learned the result of their pcii- 

How did Roboam offend his subjects? 



R0B0AM. 85 

tion, they broke out in open revolt. It was in vain that 
Roboam endeavored to calm their minds; Jeroboam 
profited by the occasion, and put himself at the head 
of the malcontents. He was joined by ten tribes, all 
of whom renounced their allegiance to the house of 
David, and chose Jeroboam for their king. 

There remained with Eoboam the tribes of Ben- 
jamin and Juda, the latter being very numerous and 
powerful. Eoboam raised a large army, but as he was 
about to set out, a prophet was sent by God to forbid 
the war. 

Jeroboam was now master of ten tribes of 
Israel, and might have been the founder of a glorious 
dynasty, had he trusted to the promises of God. On 
the contrary, he followed only the counsels of human 
prudence. He feared that if the Israelites continued to 
worship at Jerusalem, theyraight little by little return 
to their old allegiance. To prevent this, he was not 
afraid to plunge the entire nation into the guilt of 
idolatry. Scripture says : " And finding out a device, 
he made two golden calves, and said unto them : Go 
ye up no more to Jerusalem: Behold thy gods, O 
Israel, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt ; 
and he set the one in Bethel and the other in Dan. 

Roboam, meanwhile, had to suffer the punish- 
ment of his sins. Juda was invaded by Sesac, king of 
Egypt, who took Jerusalem, and carried off a vast booty 
from the city and Temple. 

What was the result? Into what crime did Jeroboam lead the 
ten tribes ? 



86 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTEE XLII. 

\ 

KINGS OF ISRAEL AND JUDA. 

ON one occasion, as Jeroboam was offering in- 
cense before the altar of the golden calf, a 
prophet appeared before him, and declared the judg- 
ments which God was about to send upon his race. 
As a confirmation of his words, at the command of 
the prophet, the altar was split asunder, and when 
Jeroboam raised his hand in anger against the man 
of God, it was withered so that he could not draw it 
back again. The guilty king- changed his threats into 
prayers for mercy, and the prophet restored his hand. 

Jeroboam does not seem to have profited by this 
warning : he died after a stormy reign of twenty-two 
years, and was succeeded by his son Nadab. This 
prince was dethroned by Baasa, who, in order to assure 
his power, massacred every member of the family and 
kindred of Jeroboam, and cast their bodies to be de- 
voured by wild beasts. Baasa was succeeded by his 
son Ela, who was assassinated by one of his officers 
named Zambri. The latter did not reap the fruit of 
his crime, being deposed by Amri, general of the army. 

Amri, being in peaceable possession of the king- 
dom, bought the Mount of Somar, and built there a 

What warning did Jeroboam receive? What is related of 
Baasa? Ela? Zambri? Amri? 



PREACHING AND MIRACLES OF ELIAS. 87 

city which he named Samaria. After a reign of twelve 
years, Amri died, leaving the throne to his son Achab. 

Achab married Jezabel, daughter of the king of 
Sidon ; he was already prone to evil, and the influence 
of his wicked wife soon destroyed whatever virtuous 
dispositions he might have possessed. To gratify this 
woman, he did not hesitate to establish the worship 
of Baal throughout his kingdom. 

The kingdom of Juda was governed during this 
time by Abias, son of Roboam and his grandson Asa. 
The conduct of these princes was a mixture of good 
and evil, and Juda was continually disturbed by war. 
Asa reigned forty years, and was succeeded by his 
virtuous son Josaphat. 



CHAPTER XLIIL 

PLEACHING AND MIRACLES OF ELIAS. 

r | HE sins of the Israelites soon became so 
A enormous, that the Almighty sent the prophet 
Elias to reprove them. As they paid no heed to his 
admonitions, the prophet prayed to God, and the 
heavens were shut up for three years, during which 
time no rain fell. 

This long drought caused a dreadful famine 
throughout the land of Israel, but Elias, who dwelt 

What alliance did Achab contract ? What is said of the kings 
of Juda ? What is related of Elias? 



88 BIBffE HISTORY. 

by the torrent Carith, was fed by ravens, that brought 
him bread morning and evening. He drank the pure 
water of the stream, and when it was dried up, God 
admonished him to go to Sarephta, in the country of 
the Sidonians. 

Here the prophet was hospitably entertained by 
a poor widow who shared with him her last scanty 
meal. God blessed her charity, and her small pro- 
vision of corn and oil remained undiminished during 
the whole time which the famine lasted. The only 
son of this good woman died while the prophet so- 
journed in her house. He was moved by her afflic- 
tion, and having prayed over the dead body, God was 
pleased to restore his life. 

When the drought had lasted more than three 
years, Elias persuaded Achab to call an assembly of 
the people, and of the priests of Baal. He then 
challenged the latter to a public contest, proposing 
that they should prepare a holocaust and place it on 
an altar, with the wood disposed around, but no fire. 
He would prepare a sacrifice in the same manner. 
Then said Elias : " Call ye on the names of your gods : 
and I will call upon the name of my Lord ; and the 
God that shall answer by fire, let him be God." 

The priests of Baal did not dare to refuse this 
public challenge. They prepared their victim and 
called aloud upon their god; howling and cutting 
their flesh with knives, as the time passed without any 

What is related of the widow of Sarephta 1 Kelate the contest 
between Elias and the priests of Baal. 



CALLING OF *ELISEUS. 89 

response. Then Elias came forth, and having caused 
the victim and altar to be thoroughly saturated with 
water, he called upon the name of the Lord, beseeching 
Him to glorify His name that the hearts of the people 
might be turned from their idols. 

Scarcely had Elias ceased his prayer, when fire 
fell from heaven, consuming, not only the holocaust, 
but the very stones of the altar. When the people 
saw this prodigy they fell upon their faces and cried : 
"The Lord is God?" 

Elias then prayed a second time, that the Lord 
would open the heavens, and send rain upon the 
parched earth. This petition was granted, and the 
multitude had scarcely time to reach the town of 
Jezrahel before the rain fell in torrents. 



CHAPTER XLIY. 

CALLING OF EUSEUS. — DEATH OF NABOTH. 

SHORTLY after these events God commanded 
Elias to confer the gift of prophecy on a young 
man named Elisens. The latter was ploughing in his 
father's field when Elias announced to him the word 
of the Lord. He asked permission to take leave of 
his parents, after which he followed Elias and became 
his disciple. 

Who was Eliseus ? 



90 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Among the many crimes committed by Achab 
and Jezabel, the murder of JNTaboth was one of the 
most odious. This inoffensive man was possessed of a 
vineyard which, unfortunately for him, lay adjoining 
to the king's garden. Achab desired to add it to his 
pleasure-grounds, and offered to give ISTaboth the value 
in money, or to exchange it for a better vineyard. 
Naboth was attached to the spot, which had come 
down to him from his forefathers, and would not 
consent to part with it. 

Achab -was so much irritated by this refusal 
that he threw himself on his bed, turned his face to 
the wall, and refused to eat. Jezabel, however, ex- 
claimed scornfully : " Thou art of great authority, 
indeed, and governest well the kingdom of Israel. 
Arise and eat bread, and be of good cheer. I will give 
thee the vineyard of Naboth." Jezabel immediately 
wrote letters to the chief men of Jezrahel, commanding 
them to summon false witnesses to prove that Naboth 
had spoken blasphemy against God, and treason against 
the king. These letters she sealed with the king's 
signet. 

The orders of the wicked queen were faithfully 
obeyed. Naboth was condemned and stoned to death. 
Jezabel repaired in triumph to the king, bidding him 
go and take possession of the land he coveted, for that 
Naboth was now dead. Achab went out in haste, but 
Elias, by the command of God, met him by the way, 
and said to him : " Thou hast slain Naboth ; thou hast 

Relate the murder of Naboth. 



ELIAS TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN. 91 

possessed thyself of his vineyard; but in the place 
wherein the dogs have licked the blood of Naboth, 
they shall lick thy blood also ; and Jezabel shall be 
devoured by dogs in the field of Jezrahel." 

These prophecies were exactly fulfilled. Achab 
was killed in battle, and as his chariot was drawn to 
be washed, the dogs licked the clotted gore, in the very 
spot which had been dyed in the blood of the innocent 
Naboth. Some time after Jezabel was thrown from 
an upper window, and her body was left to be devoured 
by dogs. 



CHAPTER XLV. 

ELIAS TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN. MIRACLES OF ELISEUS. 

THE mission of Elias was now ended, and the 
time had come when he was to be translated 
from the earth. Eliseus, who knew what was about 
to happen, would not leave his master for a moment. 
Suddenly, as they were discoursing together on the 
banks of the Jordan, a fiery chariot and fiery horses 
parted them, and Elias was taken up in a whirlwind. 
Before Elias had ascended out of sight, he let 
his mantle fall upon Eliseus, who received at the same 
time his double gift of prophecy and jniracles. God 
wrought many wonders by his hand. In Jericho 
Eliseus cured the unwholesomeness of the waters and 

What did Elias declare to Achab ? Relate the ascent of Elias. 



92 BIBLE HISTORY. 

the barrenness of the soil. Soon after, the calf-wor- 
shippers of Bethel were struck by a terrible judgment. 
As Eliseus passed near the town, a crowd of boys 
followed him, reviling and calling injurious names. 
The prophet called upon God, and immediately two 
bears issuing from a neighboring wood, tore in pieces 
two and forty of the impious children. 

Eliseus saved the combined armies of Juda and 
Israel by causing a miraculous stream to spring up in 
the desert w T here they were perishing from drought. 
It was not only on great occasions that the prophet 
displayed his wonderful power. A poor widow being 
unable to pay the debts left by her husband, a hard- 
hearted creditor was about to seize her sons, and make 
them his servants. Eliseus seeing her distresSj blessed 
a small vessel of oil which was all the provision she 
had left. The woman poured from this sufficient to 
fill all the vessels in the house, and all that she could 
borrow from her neighbors, the oil still continuing to 
flow. She w^as thus enabled to satisfy her creditor, 
and to provide for her own family. 

A wealthy -woman of Sunam received a still 
greater favor. Eliseus being obliged to pass often that 
way, she entertained him hospitably, keeping a modest 
chamber always furnished for his use. This good 
woman grieved that she had no son, and Eliseus 
promised that this blessing should be granted to her. 

What occurred near Bethel? What miracles did Eliseus per- 
form? What is related of the poor widow aud the woman of 
Sunam? 



MIRACLES OF ELISEUS. 93 

The prediction was fulfilled, but a few years later the 
death of her child plunged her into the deepest afflic- 
tion. She sent for Eliseus, who entered the chamber 
of death, and stretched himself on the body of the 
child, when immediately life returned. The prophet 
called the mother, who was made happy a second time 
in the possession of her son. 

Among the most famous of the miracles wrought 
by Eliseus was the cure of Naaman the Syrian. This 
man, who was a valiant general high in favor with the 
king, was struck by a hideous leprosy which resisted 
every remedy. Hearing of the miracles wrought in 
Israel by Eliseus, he journeyed thither, and presented 
himself at the prophet's gate mounted on a splendid 
chariot, and accompanied by a great retinue. 

Eliseus, unmoved by so much pomp, would not 
even go out to accost the stranger, but sent word by a 
messenger that he should wash seven times in the 
waters of the Jordan, if he wished to be cleansed of his 
leprosy. Naaman was angry, and turned away, saying 
that he thought the prophet might at least have 
touched him with his hand, and invoked the name 
of the Lord upon him ; that if he needed but to wash, 
there were rivers flowing by Damascus, fairer than all 
the waters of Israel. 

Full of these thoughts he was about to depart, 
but his servants persuaded him to fulfil the easy con- 
dition named by the prophet. Naaman bathed seven 
times in the sacred river, and his leprosy disappeared. 

Who was Naanian ? How did Eliseus receive him ? 



94 BIBLE HISTORY. 

The gratitude of Naaman was equal to his 
previous displeasure ; he returned quickly to the pro- 
phet's house, and offered him costly presents of gold, 
silver, and raiment. Eliseus would not accept any- 
thing, but his servant Giezi coveted the treasures 
which his master would not even look upon. He 
followed the chariot of Naaman, and, by a pretended 
message from Eliseus, obtained gifts of money and rich 
garments. He then appeared before the prophet as 
if nothing had occurred. The man of God, who knew 
all that had passed, warned him that as he had par- 
taken of the gifts of the Syrian, he should share also 
his disease. This prediction was immediately fulfilled, 
and Giezi went out from his presence a leper as white 
as snow. 

After many other great actions which are re- 
corded in holy scripture, Eliseus died in the reign of 
Joas, king of Israel. God glorified the memory of his 
servant by a great miracle. Certain persons were 
carrying the body of a dead man out for burial, when 
they were terrified by the appearance of a band of 
Moabites. They threw the body hastily into the tomb 
of Eliseus ; but no sooner had it touched the bones of 
the prophet, than the dead man came to life, and stood 
upon his feet. 

What is related of Giezi ? What occurred at the tomb of 
Eliseus ? 



KINGS OF ISRAEL. 



95 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

KINGS OF BBAEL.— DISPKE8ION OF THE TEN TEIBES. 

After the wicked Achab, twelve kings reigned 
in Israel. ° 

The judgments of God against the house of Achab 
were accomplished by Jehu, whom the prophet anointed 
to be king over Israel. He exterminated the entire 
race, and also destroyed the temple of Baal, and put 
the priests to the sword. He persevered nevertheless 
in worshipping the golden calves, and his example 
was followed by his son Joachaz. 

Joas, son of Joachaz, made war upon Amasias, 
king of Juda: he took Jerusalem, and destroyed its 
fortifications, after which he plundered the Temple 
and returned to Samaria, taking Amasias with him as 
a captive. Jeroboam II., Zacharias, Sellum, Mana- 
nem, Phaceia, Phacee, and Osee successively occupied 
the throne. They followed, for the most part, the evil 
conduct of their predecessors, and if they seemed at 
times to return to the worship of the true God, their 
repentance was never of long duration. 

God did not destroy the schismatic Israelites 
without many solemn warnings. After the death of 
Wiseus, the prophets Amos and Osee exhorted the 

• Y hati ! r t ated0fJellU? of Joas? What is said of the succeed- 
ing kings? Did God warn the Israelites? 



90 BIBLE niSTORY. 

people to abandon the worship of idols, but they paid 
no heed, and at length, as it is expressed in Scripture : 
" The Lord grew weary of Israel." 

During the reign of Phacee, Theglathphalasar 
laid Israel waste, and carried a vast number of the 
inhabitants into captivity. The final dispersion took 
place under his successor, Osee. Salmanasar having 
taken Samaria, collected the Israelites from every part 
of the country, and scattered them among the nations 
of northern Asia. No portion of them ever returned 
to their own country, which was peopled by colonies 
from Babylon and the surrounding provinces. The 
new inhabitants suffered much from lions, which com- 
mitted great ravages, and slew vast numbers of the 
people. The colonists attributed this scourge to the 
anger of the God of Israel, and the Assyrian king 
caused them to be instructed in the law of Moses. 
This was done, and the people feared God, and 
sacrificed. 

Nevertheless, the colonists continued, for the 
most part, to worship their idols also, and the false 
gods whom they had served in the countries beyond 
the Euphrates. The mixed races which occupied 
the land of Israel w T ere known henceforth as Sa- 
maritans. There were ahvays among them many 
righteous men, but their religious belief was generally 
mingled with their old superstitions. As we learn from 
several passages of the New Testament, the most bitter 

Relate the dispersion of the Israelites. What is related of the 
new inhabitants? What did the colonists continue to do ? 



KINGS OF JUDA. 97 

enmity existed between the Jews and the Samari- 
tans, so that there was little or no intercourse between 
them. 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

KINGS OF JUDA. 

JOSAPHAT who reigned in Juda in the time of 
Achab, was in many respects a virtuous prince. 

He sinned, however, by taking Athalia, the daughter 
of Achab and Jezabel, as a wife for his son Joram. 
This prince and his son and successor Ochozias were 
thus led into alliances with Israel. 

Ochozias being slain by Jehu, Athalia his 
mother usurped the government of Juda. To assure 
her power, she massacred all the royal family, not 
excepting her own grandchildren. Of these, one 
named Joas was saved, and some years later the high- 
priest caused him to be proclaimed king. The wicked 
Athalia was slain, and Joas governed wisely as long 
as he followed the counsels of the good high-priest 
Joaida. After his death, he gave himself up to the 
worship of idols, compelling his subjects to become 
partakers in his wickedness. 

Zacharias, the son of Joaida, a holy prophet, 
preached fearlessly to the people, denouncing these 
crimes, and Joas caused him to be stoned to death in 
the sacred court of Israel, between the sanctuary and 
the altar. 

How did Josaphat sin ? What is related of Athalia ? of Joas ? 

5 



98 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Amasias was, as we have seen, led into captivity 
by the king of Israel. The reign of his son Ozias 
was most prosperous, but unfortunately his heart was 
lifted up with pride, and he ventured to usurp the 
office of the priesthood. It was in vain the priests 
remonstrated. Ozias was very angry ; he lifted the 
censer in his hand, and threatened the priests with 
death if they hindered him any further. Even as he 
was speaking, he felt himself struck by the hand of 
God, and white spots of leprosy appeared on his fore- 
head. The priests knew the fatal sign, but such was 
the terror of the king, that he was more eager to fly 
from the temple than they were to thrust him forth. 

Ozias was now a leper, and his son Joatham 
governed Juda in his place. 

Joatham was given to the worship of idols, and 
his son Achaz was the most wicked of all the kings 
of Juda. Having gone to war with Phacee, king of 
Israel, he suffered a terrible defeat, losing 120,000 men. 
Isaias was sent by God to warn the guilty king of the 
judgments which awaited him, but Achaz despised 
every warning and died in his sins. 

Ezechias, son of Achaz, was a virtuous prince. 
He was guided in all things by the prophet Isaias, and 
turned with his whole heart to the service of God. 
The idols were banished, the sacred groves cut down, 
and the altars were overthrown. He then purified the 
Temple, and when all things were in order, he cele- 
brated the Pasch with great solemnity. 

What sm did Ozias commit, and Low was he punished ? 



KINGS OF JUDA. 90 

In the reign of this prince, Sennacherib, king of 
Assyria, invaded Juda with a countless host, and 
Ezechias at first sent offerings of gold and silver, hop- 
ing to buy a peace. Sennacherib would grant no 
terms, and wrote a letter to Ezechias in which he 
blasphemed God, and scoffed at the king for trusting in 
his aid. Ezechias went up to the Temple clothed in 
sackcloth, and prayed the Lord to avenge the honor 
of his name, and save his people. lie then took 
measures for defending the city. Isaias in the mean- 
while comforted the kino; with the assurance that Sen- 
nacherib should not so much as approach Jerusalem, 
but would retire in confusion to his own country. 

This prophecy was accomplished in a wonderful 
manner ; for on that same night, the destroying angel 
passed through the camp of the Assyrians, and slew 
one hundred and eighty-five thousand men. Sen- 
nacherib returned to his own country, as had been 
foretold. Shortly after, as he was worshipping in the 
temple of one of the gods in whom he trusted, he was 
treacherously slain by his own sons. 

Immediately after these events Ezechias was 
seized with a dangerous illness, so that he was warned 
that his death was at hand. Ezechias was afflicted at 
this news, and God was pleased to add fifteen years to 
his life. That the king might know the truth of this 
promise, Isaias caused the shadow on the sundial to 
go back ten degrees. 

Who invaded Judea in the reign of Ezechias? Relate the defeat 
of Sennacherib. 



100 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Unhappily, this favor became an occasion of 
sin. The king of Babylon, hearing of the recovery 
of Ezechias, sent an embassy with congratulations and 
presents. The king yielded to an impulse of vanity, 
aud showed the embassadors all his treasures, his stores 
of spices and precious perfumes, and vessels of gold 
and silver. Isaias reproved him for his folly, warned 
him that the treasures which he had so proudly dis- 
played would be carried away to Babylon, and that 
his children should be servants in the palace of the 
Assyrian king. 



CHAPTER XLYIII. 

KINGS OF JUDA. BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY. 

EZECHIAS was succeeded by his son Manasses. 
In the beginning of his reign, this prince imi- 
tated the conduct of the worst among his predecessors. 
He restored the worship of idols, profaned the temple 
by sacrilegious rites, and built altars in the sacred 
courts dedicated to the sun, moon, and stars. Such 
was the violence of the king against those who had the 
courage to oppose his impiety, that the streets of Jeru- 
salem flowed with blood. The murder of Isaias com- 
pleted the measure of his iniquity. 

God permitted that Manasses should be carried 
in chains to Babylon. The unhappy king acknowledged 

What favor did Ezechias receive, and what fault did he commit ? 
What were the crimes of Manasses ? 



KINGS OF JUDA, 101 

» 

the justice of his punishment, and humbled himself by 
prayer and penance. He was restored to his kingdom 
and showed himself henceforth a wise and virtuous 
ruler. The reign of his son Anion was short and dis- 
astrous; but under his grandson Josias, Juda enjoyed 
a long period of peace and prosperity. Josias was 
guided in all things by the prophet Jeremias, and his 
piety won him such favor with God that none of the 
judgments pronounced against Jerusalem were exe- 
cuted until after his death. 

Joachaz, Joakin, Joachim, and Sedecias reigned 
successively in Jerusalem. In the time of Sedecias, 
Xabuchodonosor, the king of Assyria, marched against 
Jerusalem, and took it after a siege of two years. The 
city was given up to pillage. The gold and silver 
vessels and all the precious furniture of the Temple 
were taken as a spoil, after which the sacred edifice 
was destroyed by fire. The flames spread with such 
rapidity that the entire city was laid in ashes. When 
there was nothing left to pillage or destroy, the Assyrian 
general Nabuzaradan returned to Babylon, leading in 
his train a wretched multitude of captives of every age 
and rank. 

That the rich fields and vineyards of Judea might 
still yield something to the conqueror, the Assyrian 
left a sufficient number of husbandmen of the poorer 
sort to till the ground and dress the vines. 

Nabuchodonosor held the prophet Jeremias in 

What led to Manasses' conversion? What is said of Jonas? 
Name the last kin<rs of Judea. What occurred under Sedecias? 



102 BIBLE HISTORY. 

great respect and left him free, either to accompany 
the captives to Babylon, or to remain in his own 
country. Jeremias pitied the scattered remnant who 
were left in Juda without help or counsel, and chose 
the latter alternative. The unhappy Jews who re- 
mained, completed their own misfortunes by murder- 
ing Godolias the Assyrian governor. Then, terrified 
at the probable consequences, they fled into Egypt. 
The prophet Jeremias was forced to accompany them, 
and was shortly after murdered by his ungrateful 
countrymen. 

Jeremias is counted as one of the four greater 
prophets. The Lamentations, in which he mourns the 
destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of the 
holy place, are taken also in a mystical sense, and are 
familiar to us in the office of Holy Week. 

Isaias, whose name has been mentioned in con- 
nection with this history, is considered the greatest 
among the Hebrew prophets. He is equally distin- 
guished for the grandeur of the revelations with which 
lie was favored, and for the sublimity of his style. 

The most remarkable and important of the pro- 
phecies of Isaias are those which relate to the coming 
of the Messias. He declares that He would be born 
of a Virgin, and describes the different circumstances 
of the life and passion of Our Lord so clearly, that the 
Fathers remark that Isaias should be styled rather an 
evangelist than a prophet. 

Who were left in Judoal What is Baid of Jeremias? of 
Isaias ? 



BIOGRAPHICAL BOOKS 

OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



CHAPTEE XLIX. 

PATIENCE OF JOB. 



IN the time of the old patriarchs there lived on the 
confines of Arabia, a pastoral prince called Job. 
The number of his servants, and his vast herds of cattle 
rendered him wealthy and powerful in the land, and 
he was the happy father of seven sons and three 
daughters. 

Job was also distinguished by his virtue and wis- 
dom, and his life was a course of unexampled pros- 
perity. The envy of Satan was kindled against this 
holy man, and God, who willed that his servant should 
glorify him by his patience under affliction, permitted 
that the Evil One should exercise his malice against 
him. 

Satan hastened to exert his power, and the blows 
followed one another, until Job found himself stripped 
of all his possessions. His servants were slain by the 
enemy, and his sons and daughters were buried in the 

What was the character of Job ? How was he tried ? 



104 BIBLE HISTORY. 

ruins of the house where they were feasting together. 
In his great sorrow, Job fell prostrate on the ground, 
but he resigned himself to the divine will, saying : 
" The Lord gave, and the Lord taketli away : as it hath 
pleased the Lord, so it is done : blessed be the name 
of the Lord. 55 

As Job continued to glorify God under these afflic- 
tions, Satan solicited permission to torment him in his 
body, and the Lord said: Behold, he is in thy hands, 
but save his life." Job was immediately struck with 
a grievous ulcer, which covered his entire body ; so 
that sitting on a dung-hill in sign of his deep humilia- 
tion, he scraped the corrupt matter with a potsherd. 
His wife incited him to blaspheme God, but he re- 
proved her, and said : " If we have received good 
things at the hands of the Lord, shall we not receive 
evil also ? " 

Three neighboring princes, friends of Job, came 
to console him under his afflictions. They believed 
that he must have been guilty of some secret sin, and 
increased his sorrow by their exhortations to repent- 
ance. Job defended himself boldly and maintained 
his innocence, appealing to his past life, and dwelling 
particularly on his mercy to the poor. He expressed 
his faith in a Redeemer to come, saying : " For I 
know that my Redeemer liveth ; and in the last day 
I shall rise out of the earth ; and I shall be clothed 
again with my skin, and in my flesh I shall see my 

Who came tovi^it Job? How did Job express liis faith in a 
Redeemer? 



PROPHECY OF JONAS. 105 

God. Whom I myself shall see, and my eyes shall 
behold, and not another: this my hope is laid up in 
my bosom." 

God answered the friends of Job, and reprehended 
them for the rashness of their judgment. Job offered 
sacrifice for them, and they were forgiven. 

The holy patriarch was then healed from his 
malady. God restored to him the wealth which he 
had lost ; other sons and daughters grew up around 
him, and he lived, after these things, one hundred 
and forty years, seeing his children, and his children's 
children unto the fourth generation. 



CHAPTER L. 

PEOPHECY OF JONAS. 



IN the reign of Jeroboam II. there dwelt in Israel 
*a prophet named Jonas. God commanded him to 
preach in Nineve, and to exhort the inhabitants of that 
city to do penance, as their destruction was at hand. 
Jonas wished to decline a mission of which he thought 
himself incapable ; instead, therefore, of going to 
Nineve, he embarked on board a ship bound for 
Tharsis. They had not proceeded far, when a violent 
storm arose, and the vessel was in the utmost danger. 
The sailors believing, according to their ideas, 

How was he rewarded ? What mission was given to Jonas ? 
In what manner did he endeavor to set it aside ? 



106 BIBLE HISTORY. 

that this calamity was caused by the sin of some one 
on board, begged that lots might be cast to discover 
the guilty person. This was done, and the lot fell on 
Jonas. He confessed that he had undertaken the 
voyage to elude the commands of God, and told them 
that if they wished to save the ship they should cast 
him into the sea. The sailors were unwilling to do 
this, but as the storm increased until they seemed upon 
the point of perishing, fear prevailed and Jonas was 
thrown into the raging waters. The storm ceased, and 
the ship proceeded safely on its way. 

God did not permit that the penitent prophet 
should perish in the waters. He was received, as he 
fell, by a monstrous fish, within whose vast body he 
remained in safety three days and three nights. The 
whale, at length, cast him out upon the shore, and the 
Almighty commanded him to proceed on his mission 
to the Ninivites. 

Nineve was one of the mightiest cities the world 
has ever seen. Jonas passed, for three days, through 
the principal streets and public places, calling on the 
people to do penance, and proclaiming that in forty 
days Nineve should be destroyed. Instead of mocking 
at this prophecy, the proud and luxurious Mnivites 
were struck with fear; a general fast was pro- 
claimed ; the king himself rose from his throne, and 
cast away his royal robes ; then, clothed in sackcloth, 
he sat in ashes on the ground. God looked on the 
penitence of the Ninivites, and forgave them, so that 



Did the Niuivites repent? 



PROPHECY OF JONAS. 107 

the city was not destroyed according to the word of 
the prophet. 

Jonas at this was exceedingly troubled. He feared 
to pass for an impostor, and imagined that the word 
of God and his threatenings might be despised here- 
after by the heathen. In this frame of mind, he went 
outside the city wall, and lay down to rest. While he 
slept, God caused a gourd to grow, and spread its 
branches to shelter him from the excessive heat. Jonas 
delighted in its cooling shade, but a worm gnawed the 
root of the vine, and on the following morning it had 
withered away. A burning wind swept over the plain, 
and the sun beat down upon the prophet, so that he 
grieved for the vine, and prayed God to take him out 
of life. 

Then the Lord spoke to Jonas, and told him that 
he grieved at the destruction of a vine which he had 
neither planted nor made to grow. How much more 
should He, who created all things, care for Mneve, 
that great city, in which there were more than one 
hundred and twenty thousand innocent children, and 
many beasts of the field. 

Why was Jonas grieved ? In what manner was he reproved ? 



108 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTER LI. 

HISTORY OF TOBIAS. 

THIS holy man was among the Israelites who had 
been carried captive by Salamanasar. While 
still in his own country, he had been distinguished by 
his virtue and piety, and the courage with which he 
rebuked the worshippers of idols. Being taken to 
Nmeve, he comforted his unhappy brethren, sharing 
freely with them whatever he possessed. He found 
favor with Salmanasar, who permitted him to go where 
he would, and supplied him with the means of bestow- 
ing more abundant alms. 

When Sennacherib returned from his disastrous 
expedition against Judea, he wreaked his vengeance on 
the captive Israelites. They were put to death with- 
out mercy, and their bodies were thrown to the birds 
and beasts of prey. Tobias went about fearlessly, 
burying the dead, and exposing his own life to aid and 
console his brethren. 

On a certain day when Tobias had made a dinner 
for his friends, word was brought that an Israelite had 
just been slain, and that his body was lying in the 
street. Upon this, he rose from the table, and going 
out, took the body privately, and hid it in his house, 
that he might bury it after nightfall. His friends and 

What is related of the virtues of Tobias? 



HISTORY OF TOBIAS. 109 

neighbors blamed him, and bade him remember that 
he had been once condemned to death for the same 
act. Tobias, however, feared God more than he did 
the king, and continued his works of charity and zeal. 

Tobias was reduced, we are not told in what 
manner, to extreme poverty, and was, at the same 
time, struck with blindness. When the relations of 
the holy man lamented as if his piety and ahns had 
been vain, he silenced them, saying : " Speak not so, 
for we are the children of the saints, and look for that 
life which God will give to those who never change 
their faith from Him." Anna, the wife of Tobias, went 
out daily to weave, and brought home her scanty hire 
for the support of her family. 

Tobias now remembered that in the days of his 
prosperity he had loaned a sum of money to a kins- 
man named Gabelus, of the city of Rages. Calling 
his son he bade him go thither and collect the debt. 

When the young Tobias went by his father's 
desire to seek a guide, the angel Raphael, taking the 
form of a young man, offered him his services. The 
journey was prosperous, but on the banks of the Tigris, 
Tobias was attacked by a monstrous fish. He over- 
came him by the assistance of his guide, and by his 
counsel reserved the gall, which was a cure for 
blindness. 

On what mission did he send his son ? Who was the young 
man's gnide ? 



110 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTEK LIL 

HISTORY OF TOBIAS CONCLUDED. 

ON approaching a certain town, the angel 
told Tobias that he should find there a near 
kinsman named Eaguel. He had one child, a daughter 
called Sara, and the angel informed Tobias that this 
maiden was destined to be his wife, and bade him ask 
her in marriage that same day. 

Now Sara had been contracted successively to 
seven husbands, and they had each been slain by a 
devil on the celebration of the nuptials. Tobias had 
heard of these strange events, and was unwilling to 
expose himself to the same fate. The angel quieted 
his fears, and instructed him in all that he should do 
to obtain a blessing on the marriage. 

Raguel received his young kinsman with much 
joy, and being assured by the angel that no calamity 
would follow, he gave him his daughter in marriage. 
The demon who had troubled the house of Raguel 
was driven away by fasting and prayer, and the 
marriage feast was celebrated with much joy. 

The young Tobias was in haste to return to his 
parents, and as the marriage festivities were prolonged, 
he begged his guide to go himself to Rages, and collect 

What did the angel say to Tobias concerning Raguel and his 

daughter ? How was Tobias received by his kinsman ? What did 
he request the angel to do ? 



HISTOKY OF TOBIAS. Ill 

the debt. The angel consented, and when he had 
returned, Tobias prepared to set out on his journey. 

Raguel delivered to him, as Sara's portion, half 
of all he possessed: much gold and silver, with men- 
servants and women-servants, camels, and every hind 
of cattle. The parents then blessed their daughter, 
and permitted her to depart with her husband. 

Tobias, who had left his father's house on foot, 
and almost destitute, was now returning with abundant 
wealth and a princely retinue. This circumstance, 
however, obliged him to travel slowly, so that he re- 
solved to take swift camels, and proceed with his 
guide, leaving his wife and her attendants to follow at 
leisure. 

The meeting of Tobias and his aged parents was 
full of joy. The young man, however, hardly waited 
to receive his father's blessing, before he anointed his 
eyes with the fish-gall which he had preserved. A 
white film was formed, and when it was removed, his 
sight was restored and he blessed God. 

On the arrival of the young wife, the marriage 
festivities were renewed. When they were ended the 
young Tobias and his father wished to recompense the 
guide to whom they owed all their happiness. They 
urged him to accept half their wealth, but he declared 
himself saying : " I am the angel Raphael, one of the 
seven who stand before the Lord." He told Tobias 
that (rod had accepted his good works, his prayer, 

Relate the return of young Tobias. What offer was made to 
the angel ? What did he reply ? 



112 BIBLE HISTORY. 

fasting, and alms, and had now sent him to restore his 
sight, and to deliver Sara from the power of the devil. 
When the angel had spoken these words, he vanished 
from their sight ; but they remained prostrate on the 
ground, adoring God. 

Tobias was sixty years old when his sight was 
miraculously restored ; he lived forty-two years longer, 
and died at the age of one hundred and two. 



CHAPTEE LIIL 

HISTORY OF JUDITH. 

NABUCHODONOSOR* having resolved to re- 
duce all the nations of the west, raised an im- 
mense army, which he put under the command of 
llolofernes, a renowned general. 

Holofernes began his march, carrying every- 
where terror and destruction. Such was the fear he 
inspired, that each city hastened to open its gates, and 
endeavored to soften his heart by the most abject sub- 
mission. The people of Judea only, prepared to resist 
the fierce conqueror, fortifying the towns, and occupy- 
ing every mountain-pass where there seemed any hope 
of making a stand. The high-priest exhorted all 
shed the last drop of their blood in defence of Jeru- 

At what a#c did the elder Tobias die ? What is related of the 
invasion of Holofernes ? 

* Not the same who destroyed Jerusalem. 



HISTORY OF JUDITH. 



113 



salem and the holy place. Even the little children lay 
prostrate in the Temple courts, and the priests offered 
rifice, clothed in sackcloth, with ashes on their 
heads. 

Holofernes was enraged beyond measure to hear 
that the Jews intended to resist his arms, and he pre- 
pared to punish their insolence. He came first against 
the city of Bethulia, and as the place was well fortified, 
he decided to reduce it by famine. He destroyed the 
aqueduct which supplied the city with water, and 
placed archers to guard the fountains. The Bethulians 
were soon reduced to the utmost distress, as the water 
in the tanks and cisterns was exhausted, and the 
Assyrian archers slew all who ventured to approach 
the fountains in the valley. 

The sufferings of the people became so intolerable 
that Ozias, who commanded in the city, promised 
that if no aid came within five days he would surrender 
the place to the Assyrians, only asking for the lives 
of the inhabitants. There dwelt in Bethulia at this 
time a holy widow named Judith, who was equally 
renowned for her piety, her beauty, and her wisdom. 
She lived in great retirement, spent much time in 
prayer, sackcloth was her ordinary garment, and she 
fisted on all days except the sabbaths and feasts. 

When Judith heard of the promise which Ozias 
had made, she sent for him, and reproached him with 
his want of faith in setting a time for the mercies of 
the Lord. She begged that he and the elders would 



What is related of the distress of Bethulia ? Who was Judith ? 



114 BIBLE HISTORY. 

pray for a blessing on what she had resolved to under- 
take for their deliverance. When she was alone, after 
praying earnestly, Judith attired herself in magnificent 
robes adorned with jewels. Then, accompanied by her 
maid, she passed through the city gates, and proceeded 
to the Assyrian camp. 

Holofernes received the beautiful stranger with 
great distinction, and for two days she was permitted 
to dwell apart with her maid, going whither she would. 
The third evening, Holofernes gave a great feast in 
her honor, at which he made merry, and drank much 
wine. When the guests had retired, he lay upon his 
couch in a heavy sleep. Judith called upon God to 
strengthen her arm, then taking the sword of Holo- 
fernes which hung by his bed, she twisted one hand 
in his hair, and with two strokes severed his head from 
his body. 

Having accomplished her purpose, Judith 
hastened to quit the Assyrian camp. The guards, 
who were accustomed to see her pass, offered no hin- 
drance, and she soon found herself within the gates of 
Bethulia. When she showed the people the head 
of Holofernes, and related the manner of his death, 
their joy knew no bounds. The ghastly trophy was 
hung upon the walls, and all prepared for a general 
assault. 

The Assyrians, meantime, were struck with dis- 
may at finding only the headless trunk of their great 

Relate Judith's expedition to the Assyrian camp and the death 
of Holofernes. What took place the next morning? 



THE PROPHET DANIEL. 115 

general, and the Betlmlians gained an easy victory. 
The Israelites, coming from every side, joined in the 
pursuit, and the slaughter was great, and the whole 
country was enriched with the spoils. 

Judith returned to her own house, where she led the 
same retired life as before. Her appearance on festival 
days was hailed with joy, and when she died, at the 
age of one hundred and five, all the people mourned 
for her seven days. 



CHAPTEE LIV. 

THE PROPHET DANIEL. 



THE life of this holy man forms the most 
interesting part of the history of the Babylonian 
captivity. Daniel was a prince of the royal family 
of Juda, and was selected, with three other young 
Hebrews, to be trained for the royal service. They 
made extraordinary progress in every branch of the 
learning of the Assyrians, studying also the holy 
Scriptures, and observing the divine law. The young 
Assyrians were nourished with rich meats and costly 
wine, but the Hebrews, encouraged by Daniel, drank 
only water, and ate simple herbs, and such food as was 
permitted by the law. 

God blessed the fidelity of these noble children, 

What is further related of Judith? Who was Daniel? What 
is related of his fidelity to the Jaw ? 



116 BIBLE HISTORY. 

and Daniel was endowed with the gift of prophecy, 
and a wisdom beyond his years. Scripture records 
a striking instance in the trial and deliverance of 
Susanna. This young and noble matron had been 
condemned to death on the testimony of two elders, 
men who concealed under a grave and pious demeanor 
the depravity of their hearts. 

It seemed impossible to reject such witnesses, 
and the unhappy woman could only call on God for 
deliverance. As they were leading her to die, Daniel 
cried aloud that he was guiltless of her blood, and 
reproached the judges with their hasty condemnation. 
Surprised at such language from a young boy, the 
people called on Daniel to undertake a new. trial. He 
did so, and by the simple expedient of examining the 
witnesses separately, he made them contradict one 
another and exposed the falsehood of the entire accusa- 
tion. The innocent Susanna was conducted to her 
home rejoicing, and the two elders w r ere put to death. 

Some years after this event, Daniel interpreted 
a dream which had terrified Nabuchodonosor. The 
king had seen a mighty statue of w r hich the head was 
gold, the breast silver, the body of brass, the legs of 
iron, and the feet partly of iron and in part of clay. 
Then a stone cut out of a mountain struck the statue, 
and it was broken to pieces and destroyed. The stone, 
however, grew into a vast mountain, and filled the 
whole earth. 

How was Daniel rewarded? Relate the trial and deliverance of 
Susanna. What did Nabucliodon CBor see in a dream? 



HEBREWS IN THE FIERY FURNACE. 117 

Daniel told the king that the statue represented 
the different empires which should succeed one an- 
other ; that the stone which filled the earth was the 
kingdom which God would establish upon the ruins 
of all. This prophecy was fulfilled by the Persian, 
Macedonian, and Roman empires. The feet mixed 
with iron and clay represented the civil wars of Rome, 
and the stone the kingdom of Christ which shall never 
have an end. 



CHAPTER LV. 

HEBREWS IN THE FIERY FURNACE. PUNISHMENT OF 

NABUCHODONOSOR. 

THE king was so much impressed by the wisdom 
of Daniel that he named him governor of all the 
province of Babylon. Daniel obtained that his com- 
panions Ananias, Azarias, and Misael might act as 
lieutenants under him. These honors conferred on 
Hebrew captives excited the enmity of the Assyrians, 
and they waited eagerly for some opportunity to effect 
their ruin. 

Nabuchodonosor had erected on a plain near 
Babylon an idol of vast dimensions. A great festival 
was held, and it was ordered that at a given signal 
the entire multitude should prostrate themselves in 
adoration. If any one failed to do so he was to be 

What interpretation did Daniel give ? What honors were con- 
ferred on him and his friends ? 



118 BIBLE HISTORY. 

cast forthwith into the burning furnace. Word was 
soon brought to JSTabuchodonosor that the young 
Hebrew officers had neither prostrated themselves, nor 
shown any token of respect to the idol. The king 
ordered the young men to be brought before him, and 
as they still refused to obey his orders, they were cast, 
bound and clothed as they were, into the burning 
furnace. The flames, fed with brimstone, tow, and 
pitch, mounted high in the air, destroying many of the 
Assyrians who stood near. Within the furnace the 
young Hebrews walked at ease, praising God. An 
angel had gone down into the fire and parted the flames, 
so that cool breezes played about them, and the fire did 
not even touch their garments. Nabuchodonosor, awed 
by this prodigy, called upon the young men to come 
forth ; he adored the true God, and published a decree 
declaring that He alone was the Most High. 

Notwithstanding these good dispositions Nabu- 
chodonosor offended God by his pride. As the warn- 
ings of Daniel were unheeded, the king was terrified 
by a voice from heaven, his senses forsook him, and 
he wandered among the beasts, eating grass like an ox, 
while his body was wet with the dews of heaven. 

At the end of seven years the king's reason re- 
turned, he acknowledged his sin, and adored the justice 
of God. He w r as restored to his kingdom, which he 
governed peacefully till his death. 

Why were the three Hebrews condemned to the fiery furnace? 
How were they delivered? Relate the sin and punishment of 
Nabuchodonosor. 



IDOL OP BEL AND THE DEAGON. 119 



CHAPTER LYL 

IDOL OF BEL AND THE DRAGON. BALTASSAR's BANQUET. 

IN the reign, as is supposed, of Evil-Merodach, the 
successor of Nabuchodonosor, Daniel was enabled 
to expose some of the impostures practised by the 
idolatrous priests. 

There was in a temple a monstrous idol called 
Bel which the people adored with great solemnity. 
When Daniel refused to partake in this worship on the 
ground that Bel was a senseless statue, the king urged 
against him the vast provision of wine and meats 
which the god consumed each night. Daniel offered 
to prove that the idol never partook of the banquets 
offered him, and the king declared that if he did, the 
priests who were guilty of the imposture should be put 
to death. If, on the contrary, it were proven that Bel 
ate of the food set before him, Daniel should die as 
having blasphemed his divinity. 

On the same night the king proceeded with Daniel 
to the temple, and saw the priests prepare the enor- 
mous repast which Bel was supposed to require. The 
doors were then made fast, and sealed with the royal 
seal. As all were retiring, a servant by the command 
of Daniel sifted fine ashes over the pavements of the 
temple. At midnight, the priests, seventy in number, 

What did Daniel offer to prove regarding the idol Bel ? 



120 BIBLE niSTORY. 

came with their wives and children through a trap 
door beneath the table, and feasted upon the supper 
of the god. Then, carrying off the fragments, they 
disappeared by the same way. In the morning the 
king stood at the entrance of the temple, and seeing 
that the food had been consumed, began to praise the 
god. Daniel, however, desired him to observe the 
floor, and there, showing distinctly in the ashes, were 
the footprints of men, women, and children. The 
artifice was discovered, the priests were put to death, 
and the idol and temple were destroyed. 

Some time after Daniel, by the king's permission, 
destroyed a hideous dragon which was adored by the 
Babylonians. At this the people were so much en- 
raged that they thronged to the palace demanding the 
death of the prophet. The king yielded through fear, 
and Daniel was cast into a den of lions. God sent an 
angel to minister to his servant, and when the den 
was opened on the seventh day, Daniel was found un- 
harmed. 

In the reign of Baltassar Cyrus laid siege to 
Babylon. He had encompassed the city on every side, 
but Baltassar confided in his fortifications, and feasted 
with his nobles regardless of danger. He commanded 
that the gold and silver vessels of the temple of Jeru- 
salem should be displayed at the banquet, and he with 
his nobles and their wives drank from the consecrated 

How was the imposture contrived ? How did Daniel expose it? 
Why was' he cast into the uen of lions? Give an account of 
Baltassar's banquet. 



THE PROrilET DANIEL. 121 

vessels, blaspheming God. Then all were struck with 
terror, for a hand appeared, writing on the wall certain 
mysterious characters which none could read. Daniel 
being called at the king's request, interpreted the writ- 
ing, and declared that 'God had given his kingdom to 
the Medes and Persians. 

Babylon was taken that same night, Baltassar 
was slain, and Darius the Mede succeeded to his empire. 



CHAPTER LVII. 

THE PEOPHET DANIEL CONCLUDED. 

DANIEL enjoyed favor under the reign of 
Darius, who confided to him a great share of the 
government. The enemies of the prophet finding that 
they could lay nothing to his charge, decided to take 
advantage of his religion to effect his ruin. They 
persuaded the king to sign an edict forbidding all men, 
for the space of thirty days, to offer prayer or petition 
to any one, whether God or man, but to the king only. 
When Daniel saw this impious edict he went into 
his house, and opening a window looking towards 
Jerusalem, he performed his usual devotions in sight 
of all the people, and this he continued to do three 
times each day. His enemies hastened to Darius, 
demanding that the penalty of death decreed by the 

What was Daniel's position under Darius? Relate the strata- 
gem of bis enemies. 

G 



122 BIBLE HISTORY. 

edict should be immediately inflicted. The king re- 
fused, but he was reminded that according to the laws 
of the Medes and Persians he had no power to inter- 
fere with the execution of an edict he had once signed. 

Darius yielded with much reluctance. Daniel 
was cast into a den of lions, and the king comforted 
him, saying : " The God whom thou always servest, 
He will deliver thee." Then, suspecting some treachery, 
he sealed the door with his private seal, and departed, 
divided between hope and fear. His trust in God 
was rewarded. Daniel was found the next morning 
unharmed, and his accusers were cast to the ravenous 
beasts, by whom they were immediately devoured. 

During the reign of Baltassar, Daniel was favored 
with wonderful visions. In one of these, he was 
shown, under the forms of symbolic animals, the dif- 
ferent empires which were to rule the earth. He had 
revelations also regarding the latter days of the world, 
and the reign of Antichrist. 

The most important and remarkable of the pro- 
phecies of Daniel, is that which relates to the promised 
Messiah, and to the time of his coming. 

In the first year of the reign of Darius, as the 
prophet was praying for his brethren, and reflecting 
on the seventy years which had been appointed as the 
time of their captivity, the angel Gabriel appeared, 
and commended him for his zeal. He told hiin that 

What occurred when the prophet was thrown into the den of 
lions? With what visions was he favored? What is the most re- 
markable of the prophecies of Daniel ? 



HISTORY OF ESTHER, 123 

God had sent him to declare still greater things ; that 
from the time of the edict which would soon be issued 
for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, to the coming of 
Christ, would be seventy weeks of years ; that in the 
middle of the last week Christ would be slain ; that 
afterward, the victim and the sacrifice should fail ; the 
abomination of desolation should sit in the holy place, 
and the desolation should continue to the end. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

HISTORY OF ESTHER 



AFTER the return of the Jews from captivity, a 
l vast number remained scattered through the 
Persian empire. Among these was Mardochai, a wise 
and virtuous man, who dwelt in retirement with an 
orphan niece, named Edissa, but more commonly known 
as Esther. By a particular providence of God, king 
Assuerus saw Esther, and being attracted by her beauty 
and modest simplicity, resolved to make her his queen. 
The royal marriage was celebrated with great 
festivity. Mardochai forbade Esther to tell the king 
of what family and nation she came, and in this and 
all things she obeyed him as when she was a little 
child. Mardochai, being anxious for Esther, frequent- 
ed the outer courts of the palace. In this manner, lie 

Who was Esther ? What is related of Mardochai ? 



124 BIBLE HISTORY. 

chanced to learn a conspiracy that was formed against 
the life of the king. He discovered the plot, and as a 
reward, was assigned a dwelling in the court of the 
palace. 

The chief minister of the king was a noble named 
Aman, a proud and haughty man. When he passed 
through the palace courts on his way to the royal 
audience, all prostrated themselves humbly before him. 
Only Mardochai remained seated, and neither rose nor 
offered him any mark of respect. Such was the pride 
of this wicked man that he not only resolved to take 
the life of Mardochai, but to destroy all the Jews 
throughout the empire. For this end he made artful 
representations to the king, who gave him his signet- 
ring with full authority to act as he thought fit. 

Aman prepared a decree which was immediately 
published in Susan and throughout all the empire. 
According to this, the subjects of the king were com- 
manded to take up arms upon a certain day, and to 
put all the Jews to the sword, without sparing even 
the women and children. When Mardochai saw this 
terrible edict, he sent to Esther telling her that it was 
her duty to intercede with the king and save her 
people from destruction. 

Esther replied that according to law, it was death 
for any one, of what rank soever, to enter the king's 

How did Mardochai offend Aman? How did Aman revenge 
himself? How did Mardochai behave when the royal decree was 
published? What instructions did he send to Esther? What did 
she object? 



HISTORY OF ESTHER. 125 

presence without having been called. It was many 
days since he had sent for her ; how should she dare to 
approach him. 

Then Mardochai sent Esther a more urgent 
message. He told her not to imagine that she could 
escape the destruction which threatened her people; 
that if she refused through selfish fear, God would save 
them by some worthier instrument, but that she and 
her father's house would perish. 

Mardochai concluded by reminding Esther that 
she had probably been raised to the throne that she 
might be ready in such a time as this. Esther hesitated 
no longer; she bade Mardochai assemble all the Jews 
in Susan, and unite with them in fasting and prayer. 
She and her maids would fast in like manner ; on the 
third day, she would go before the king. 



CHAPTEE LIX. 

HISTORY OF ESTHER CONCLUDED. 

WHEN the fast was ended Esther adorned her- 
self with great magnificence, and repaired, ac- 
companied by two handmaidens, to the presence of 
the king. Assuerus, unaccustomed to any intrusion, 
was at the first moment irritated, which Esther per- 
ceiving, she swooned away with fear. The king, whose 

What message did Mardochai then send? What did Esther 
be visit of Esther to the king ? 



126 BIBLE IIISTORY. 

momentary anger had passed, sprang from his throne, 
and hastened to support her. He comforted her, say- 
ing : " What is the matter, Esther ? I am thy brother, 
fear not. This law was not made for thee ; why dost 
thou not speak to me?" When, at length, he bade the 
queen ask of him whatsoever she would, promising to 
grant what she desired, she took courage and spoke. 

Esther would not then name her request, but 
prayed that the king would come with Aman to a 
banquet which she had prepared. The same evening, 
when he had feasted with Esther, he asked again to 
know what she desired. The queen replied that if he 
would come with Aman, to banquet with her on the 
following day, she would open her mind to him. 

As Aman went out from the banquet, he passed 
Mardochai, and the latter, as was his custom, remained 
seated without oifering any mark of respect. Aman 
determined immediately that it was too long to wait 
for the general massacre, and that he would obtain 
permission to have Mardochai hanged the following 
day. On that same night, the king was restless on his 
couch, and ordered an attendant to read to him the 
chronicles of the empire. As they read the history of 
his reign, they came to an account of the conspiracy 
against his life which was discovered by Mardochai. 
lie asked those present, if Mardochai had received any 
fitting reward for his fidelity ; they answered, that he 
had received nothing. 

What did Aman design against Mardochai? What occurred 
that, night 1 



HISTORY OF ESTHER. 127 

At this moment, Aman entered, and Assuerus' 
asked what ought to be done to the man whom the 
king was desirous to honor. Aman, imagining that 
the king cared to honor none but himself, replied: 
"He should be clothed in the king's apparel, and have 
the royal crown on his head ; and let the first of the 
king's nobles hold his horse, and going through the 
streets, proclaim before him and say : Thus shall he be 
honored whom the king hath a mind to honor." And 
the king said to him : " Make haste and take the robe 
and the horse, and do as thou hast spoken to Mardochai 
the Jew." 

Aman did not dare to resist the king's order ; he 
went, with a heart full of bitterness and shame, passed 
through the streets of the royal city, walking humbly 
by the side of Mardochai, and proclaiming his triumph 
to the people. The ceremony lasted several hours, 
and Aman hastened to his own house, in the deepest 
dejection. 

At the banquet of that evening, Esther spoke 
boldly to the king, declaring her family and race, and 
denouncing the cruelty of Aman, who had devoted 
them to destruction. Assuerus was indignant at the 
manner in which his confidence had been abused. It 
was in vain that the wretched Aman clung to the 
queen's robe, and begged her intercession, the king 
would grant no marey. When an officer informed 
him that Aman had erected near his house a gibbet 

Relate the triumph of Mardochai. What took place at the 
queen's banquet ? 



128 BIBLE HISTORY! 

fifty cubits high, for the execution of Mardochai, 
Assuerus said: "Hang him upon it," and the order 
was immediately executed. 

Esther had a full explanation with the king, whose 
first care was to revoke the edict for the destruction 
of the Jews. He advanced Mardochai to an office of 
high authority, and under his protection and that of 
Esther, his countrymen enjoyed many years of peace 
and prosperity. 



CHAPTER LX. 

KETUEN OF THE JEWS FKOM CAPTIVITY. REBUILDING OF 

THE TEMPLE. 

WHEN the seventy years of the captivity were 
accomplished, Cyrus king of the Persians was 
moved by the spirit of God to issue an order in favor 
of the Jews. He not only permitted that they should 
return to their own country, but promised to assist 
from the royal treasury in the work of rebuilding the 
Temple. Cyrus also restored the gold and silver 
vessels and the costly furniture which Nabuchodonosor 
had carried to Babylon. 

The first detachment of Jews numbered forty- 
two thousand, with seven thousand servants, men and 
women. They were led by Zorobabel, grandson of 

Conclude the history of Esther. What decree was issued by 
Cyrus ? What is said of the first detachment ? 



RETURN OF THE JEWS FROM CAPTIVITY. 129 

king Joakim. The building of the Temple was inter- 
rupted at different times ; but in the reign, and under 
the protection of Darius, it was completed and solemnly 
dedicated to the worship of God. 

In the reign of Artaxerxes a second large body of 
Jews joined their countrymen. They were led by 
Esdras, a holy and learned priest. Shortly after, the 
prophet Nehemias came to Jerusalem, with full author- 
ity to restore the walls and fortifications. 

When Nehemias was engaged in completing the 
furniture of the Temple, he sought for the sacred fire 
which the priests had buried in the valley when the 
sacred edifice was destroyed. The descendants of these 
priests found indeed the pit where the fire had been 
concealed, but it contained nothing save muddy water. 
Nehemias directed them to draw the water, and bring 
it to the Temple. When the victim was laid on the 
great altar, Nehemias poured the water upon it, when 
immediately flames burst forth. The same occurred 
wherever the water fell, and the sacred fire was thus 
miraculously restored. The king hearing a report of 
this extraordinary event, enquired diligently, and being 
convinced of the truth, had a shrine built over the pit 
from which the water was taken. 

The second Temple was built after the model of 
the first. A veil concealed the Holy of Holies, but it 
does not seem that any thing was placed therein. The 
prophet Jeremias had, by the command of God, con- 

What occurred in the reign of Artaxerxes? What is related of 
the sacred fire ? What is said of the second Temple ? 



130 BIBLE HISTORY. 

cealed the Ark and the Altar of incense in a cave of 
Mount Nebo. His followers returned to mark the 
place, but they could not find it. Jeremias then de- 
clared that the spot should never be known until the 
appointed days, when the Almighty would send a 
cloud of glory to reveal the place. 



CHAPTEE LXI. 

PEOSPEEITY OF JUDEA UNDER THE PERSIANS. — MISSION 
OF HELIODORUS.— PERSECUTION OF ANTIOCHUS. 

JERUSALEM having been restored to some por- 
tion of its ancient splendor, the Jews enjoyed dur- 
ing more than 270 years prosperity and peace. Un- 
der the protection of the Persian monarchs, they were 
governed according to their own laws, and exercised 
their religion without fear. The princes of the house 
of David were known among the people, and respected 
for their high lineage ; but after Sedecias, none exer- 
cised the authority, nor bore the title of king. From 
Zorobabel, who led the Jews on their return from 
captivity, to Joseph, the reputed father of our divine 
Lord, there were ten generations. 

Under the reign of Seleucus, God vindicated the 
honor of the holy place in a wonderful manner. This 
prince was made to believe that the priests had laid 

What became of the Ark of the Covenant ? What is said of the 
Jews under the Persian kin^s ? 



MISSION OF HELIODORUS. 131 

up enormous treasures in the Temple, and being in 
want of money, he sent an officer named Heliodorus 
to seize them for the royal treasury. 

It "was in vain that the high-priest Onias repre- 
sented that the gold and silver which he was required 
to deliver, was either destined for the service of God 
or for the support of widows and orphans. Heliodorus 
would take no denial, and proceeded with a band of 
soldiers to seize the sacred treasure. 

As he was about to enter the Temple, there 
appeared, coming forth, a horse with a terrible rider 
arrayed in golden armor. The soldiers fell to the 
ground; but the horse rearing, struck Heliodorus 
violently with his fore-feet, and two young men of 
bright and glorious aspect, stood, one on either side, 
and scourged him with rods. Heliodorus fell speech- 
less and wounded on the ground, and in this condition 
he was carried away in a litter. Being restored by the 
prayers of the good Onias, Heliodorus returned, humble 
and penitent, to the king his master. 

After these events, the high-priesthood fell into 
the hands of wicked men, who imitated the customs 
of the heathens, and led the people into all manner of 
wickedness. God abandoned them for a time to the 
fury of Antiochus, a cruel and impious king. The 
persecution was preceded by terrible signs, in the 
heavens above Jerusalem. Phantom armies were seen 
contending in the air, and the people could plainly 

What is related of Heliodorus? What is said of the high- 
priests ? 



132 BIBLE IIIST0EY. 

distinguish the glittering armor and the darts flying 
on either side. 

The persecution of Antiochus was among the 
most dreadful recorded in history. Among many 
others, an aged man named Eleazar glorified God by 
his unshaken constancy. He might have escaped from 
his tormentors by tasting of the forbidden meats placed 
before him, but he firmly refused. Certain of the 
judges, moved with pity, offered him lawiul meats, 
promising that if he would eat, they would set him 
free as if he had partaken of swine's flesh. The 
holy old man refused to dissimulate, lest the young 
men might be led to despise the law by his sup- 
posed compliance. He was then put to death by 
lingering torments. 

At this time also occurred the martyrdom of a 
band of holy youths, generally known as the seven 
Machabees. Antiochus presided himself at their exam- 
ination, and was so much enraged at their steadfast- 
ness that he condemned them to the most shocking 
tortures. When all had perished except the youngest 
boy, Antiochus appealed to the mother to persuade her 
son to compliance, promising wealth and honor should 
he consent to what was required. Then the heroic 
woman addressed the boy in her own language, ex- 
horting him to suffer bravely like his brethren, that 
she might receive all her children in joy from the 
hands of God. While she was yet speaking, the youth 
cried out to the torturers, asking them why they de- 

Relate the martyrdom of Eleo^r — of the seven Machabees. 






WARS OF THE MACIIABEES. 133 

layed. He was more cruelly tormented than the others, 
and the mother, having nothing more to fear, resigned 
herself with joy to the hands of the executioner. 



CHAPTER LXIL 

WARS OF THE MACHABEES. 



WHEN the persecution was at its height, 
Mathathias, a venerable man of priestly race, 
fled to the mountains with his five sons, and a band 
of faithful Israelites. Their numbers increased, a little 
army was formed, and the troops sent against them by 
Antiochus, were defeated with heavy loss. When 
Mathathias died, he left the chief command to his son 
Judas, surnamed Machabeus. This name was after- 
wards given to the entire family. 

Judas won many signal victories, and was at 
length enabled to drive the enemy from Jerusalem. 
His first care was to restore the worship of God, and 
to purify the Temple which had been defiled by 
heathen sacrifices. War continued, and Judas received 
many marks of the divine favor. 

On one occasion, learning that certain soldiers 
who were slain, had been guilty of disobedience to his 
commands, the charitable leader was full of concern 
for their souls. Making a collection in the camp, he 

Whom did God raise up to defend the people ? To whom did 
Mathathias leave the chief command ? 



134 BIBLE HISTORY. 

sent a large sum of money to Jerusalem that sacrifice 
might be offered for the sins of the dead. Holy Scrip- 
ture, commending the piety and faith of Judas, con- 
cludes : " It is, therefore, a holy and wholesome thought 
to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from 
their sins." 

Antiochus, after many reverses, was stricken by 
God with a dreadful disease, so that his corrupted flesh 
swarmed with worms, and his body exhaled so in- 
supportable a stench that his servants could scarcely 
be compelled to render him the necessary service. 
The tyrant recognized the hand of the Lord, and 
prayed for mercy, promising that if his health were 
restored, he would expiate the past by works of piety 
and zeal. God, who reads the heart, saw in these 
professions only the result of servile fear, and the un- 
happy king died in torments surpassing any which he 
had inflicted on his victims. 

The -war continued, and Judas gained a signal 
victory over Nicanor, who chose through a spirit of 
impiety to attack the Jews on the Sabbath. From 
this time forth, Judas met only with reverses. His 
brother Eleazar had fallen in battle, and he him- 
self died fighting valiantly. Jonathan perished by 
treachery, and Simon remained the last of the heroic 
brethren. His prudence secured for the Jews a favor- 
able treaty with the Syrians, and shortly after he 

How did Judas show his piety in praying for the dead ? Relate 
the punishment and death of Antiochus. Conclude the history of 
the Machabees. 



JUDEA A ROMAN PROVINCE. 135 

renewed the league which Judas had made with the 
Roman people. Some years later, Simon was treach- 
erously murdered, but he left Judea in the enjoyment 
of prosperity, and a certain degree of independence. 



CHAPTER LXIII. 



FROM THE DEATH OF SIMON (138 B. C.) TO THE COMING 

OF OUR LORD. 

OF the period following the death of the 
Machabees we have no record in Scripture. 
Their descendants continued to govern Judea up to 
the accession of Herod the Idumean, and were gen- 
erally known as Asmoneans, from Asmoneus, the great- 
grandfather of Mathathias. It was but rarely that any 
of these princes displayed the piety or zeal which had 
distinguished the founders of the family; and their 
history presents a miserable succession of domestic 
crime and civil discord. 

In the year 61 b. c, Pompey having taken Jeru- 
salem, reduced Judea to the condition of a Roman 
province. Later, Crassus, after having profaned and 
plundered the Temple, proceeded on an expedition to 
Parthia, where he expiated his crimes by a miserable 
death. 

In what state did Simon leave Jndea? Who governed Judea 
from this time ? When was Judea declared a Roman province ? 
What did Crassus do ? 



136 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Herod, son of Antipater, an Idumean, succeeded 
in gaining the favor of Marc Antony, by whose in- 
fluence he was named king of Judea 37 b. c. His 
reign was marked by some great actions, but his crimes 
and sacrileges were such as to excite the horror even 
of the heathen. When we read the particulars as re- 
lated in history, we see that the massacre of the Holy 
Innocents was but the fitting close of such a career. 

Herod had a passion for building, and partly 
through vanity, partly perhaps to conciliate the people, 
he determined to rebuild the Temple. By the favor 
of Augustus, Herod had enriched himself from the 
spoils of several eastern provinces, and he was enabled 
to carry out his designs on a scale of surpassing 
splendor. 

The Temple as restored by Herod, was not so 
richly adorned with precious metals as that of Solo- 
mon : it was, however, more vast, and probably more 
beautiful in its general design. It was destined to 
receive within its courts the promised Messias ; and it 
guarded unknowingly, the spotless purity of the Lily 
of Israel, the Yirgin Mother of Isaiah's prophecy. 

Who was Herod? By whose influence was he made king? 
What did he undertake regarding the Temple? What distin- 
guished this last Temple? 




&H 

ri 



— 



o 
o 

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SIXTH PERIOD. 

THE LIFE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 



CHAPTEE LXIV. 

THE APPARITION OF THE ANGEL TO ZACHARY. — TOE 

ANNUNCIATION. 

THERE -was in the days of Herod, a certain 
priest named Zachary, and his wife was of the 
daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. And 
they were both just before God, walking without 
blame : and they had no son, for that Elizabeth was 
barren, and they were both well advanced in . years. 
And it came to pass, it was the lot of Zachary to offer 
incense, going into the temple of the Lord. And all 
the multitude of the people was praying without at 
the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an 
Angel of the Lord. 

And Zachary seeing him was troubled. But the 
Angel said to him: "Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer 
is heard ; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, 
and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt 

What is said of Zachary ? What vision did he see ? What did 
the Angel say to him ? 



138 BIBLE HISTORY. 

have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice in his 
nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord, and 
shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be 
filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother's 
womb. And he shall convert many of the children 
of Israel to the Lord their God." 

And Zachary said to the Angel : " Whereby shall 
I know this ? for I am an old man, and my wife is 
advanced in years." And the Angel said to him : " I 
am Gabriel who stand before God ; and am sent to 
bring thee these good tidings. And behold, thou shalt 
be dumb, and shalt not be able to speak until the day 
wherein these things shall come to pass, because thou 
hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled 
in their time." 

And the people were waiting for Zachary, and 
they wondered that he tarried so long in the Temple. 
And when he came out he could not speak, and they 
understood that he had seen a vision. And he made 
signs to them, and remained dumb. 

And after six months the Angel Gabriel was sent 
from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to' a 
virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of 
the house of David ; and the virgin's name was Mary. 
And the Angel being come in, said unto her : " Hail 
full of grace, the Lord is with thee ; Blessed art thou 
among women." Who having heard, was troubled at 

What did Zachary reply? What did the Angel declare ? Why 
did the people wonder ? To whom was the Augel Gabriel sent by 
God ? How did the Angel address her ? 



THE ANNUNCIATION. 139 

his saying, and thought within herself what maiiner 
of salutation this should be. 

And the Angel said: "Fear not, Mary, for thou 
hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt con- 
ceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a Son ; and 
thou shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, 
and shall be called the Son of the most High, and the 
Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of -David 
His father. And of His kingdom there shall be no 
end. 55 And Mary said to the Angel : " How shall this 
be done, because I know not man ? 55 And the Angel 
answering, said to her : " The Holy Ghost shall come 
upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall 
overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy 
which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son 
of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also 
hath conceived a son in her old age; because no 
word shall be impossible with God. 55 And Mary 
said : " Behold the hand-maid of the Lord, be it done 
unto me according to thy word. 55 And the Angel 
departed from her. 

When Mary was troubled, what did the Angel say ? In what 
manner did the Blessed Virgin declare her consent ? 



140 BIBLE UISTOEY. 



CHAPTER LXV. 

THE BLESSED VIRGIN VISITS HER COUSIN ST. ELIZABETH. 

BIRTH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

AND Mary, rising up in those days, went into 
l the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. 
And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted 
Elizabeth. And it came to pass that when Elizabeth 
heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her 
womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy 
Ghost ; and she cried out with a loud voice, and said: 
" Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the 
fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that 
the mother of my Lord should come to me ? For behold 
as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my 
ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And 
blessed art thou that hast believed, because those 
things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee 
by the Lord." 

When Mary heard the words of St. Elizabeth, 
she gave glory to God, and praised His mercy in a 
sublime canticle, known as the Magnificat. 

Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered 
was come, and she brought forth a son. And her 
neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had 

Where did Mary go ? In what words did St. Elizabeth wel- 
come her? 



BIRTII OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 141 

shewed His great mercy towards her, and they con- 
gratulated with her. And on the eighth day they 
came to circumcise the child, and they called him by 
his father's name Zachary. And his mother answer- 
ing, said : " Not so, but he shall be called John." And 
they said to her : " There is none of thy kindred that 
is called by this name." And they made signs to his 
father, how he would have him called. And he wrote, 
saying : " John is his name." And they all wondered. 
And immediately his mouth was opened, and his 
tongue loosed, and he spoke blessing God. And fear 
came upon all their neighbors ; and all these things 
were noised abroad over all the hill-country of Judea. 
And all they that had heard them laid them up in 
their heart, saying : " What an one, think ye, shall this 
child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him." 

And the child grew, and was strengthened in 
spirit; and was in the deserts until the day of his 
manifestation to Israel. The Blessed Virgin remained 
with St. Elizabeth three months, after which she re- 
turned to her own house, and awaited in peace the ful- 
filment of the divine promise. 

What occurred at the circumcision of St. John the Baptist? 
How long did the Blessed Virgin remain with St. Elizabeth ? 



142 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTEE LXVI. 

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. — HIS CIRCUMCISION. HE IS 

PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE. 

NOW the generation of Christ was in this wise. 
When His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, 
before they came together, she was found with child 
of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, 
being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose 
her, was minded to put her away privately. -But 
behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his 
sleep, saying : " Joseph, son of David, fear not to take 
unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in 
her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth 
a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus ; for He 
shall save His people from their sins." 

And it came to pass, there went out a decree 
from Csesar Augustus, that the whole world should be 
enrolled. And all went to be enrolled, every one into 
his own city. And Joseph also went up out of the 
city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, 
which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the 
house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary 
his espoused wife, who was with child. And when 
they were there, her days were accomplished that she 

Why was an angel sent to St. Joseph ? What decree was issued 
by Augustus ? Why was Joseph obliged to go to Bethlehem ? 



THE BIRTH OF CUBIST. 113 

should be delivered ; and she brought forth her first- 
born son, and wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes, 
and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room 
for them in the inn. 

And there were in the same country shepherds 
keeping the night-watches over their flock. And 
behold, an Angel of the Lord stood by them, and the 
brightness of God shone round about them ; and they 
feared with a great fear. And the Angel said : u Fear 
not ; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, 
for this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the 
Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign 
unto you : You shall find the Infant wrapped in 
swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger." 

And suddenly there was with the Angel'a multi- 
tude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying : 
" Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to 
men of good will." And after the angels departed, 
the shepherds said one to another : " Let us go over 
to Bethlehem." And they found Mary and Joseph, 
and the Infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they 
understood the word that had been spoken to them 
concerning this Child. And all wondered at those 
things that were told them by the shepherds. But 
Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. 
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising 
God. 

Where was our Lord born ? Relate the vision of Jhe shepherds. 
What is said of the heavenly army ? What did the shepherds do 
when the angels departed ? 



144 BIBLE HISTORY. 

And after eight days were accomplished that the 
Child should be circumcised, His name was called 
Jesus. And after the days of her purification were 
accomplished; they carried Him to Jerusalem, to 
present Him to the Lord, and to offer a sacrifice 
according as it is written in the law, a pair of turtle 
doves, or two young pigeons. 

And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named 
Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for 
the consolation of Israel ; and the Holy Ghost was in 
him. And he had received an answer from the Holy 
Ghost, that he should not see death before he had 
seen the Christ of the Lord. And when His parents 
brought in the Child Jesus to do for Him according to 
the law, he also took Him into his arms, and blessed 
God, and said : " Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, 
O Lord, according to Thy word in peace. Because 
mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." And His father 
and mother were wondering at those things which 
were spoken. And Simeon blessed them, and said to 
Mary His mother : " Behold this Child is set for the 
fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for 
a sign which shall be contradicted ; and thy own soul 
a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts 
may be revealed." 

And there was one Anna a prophetess, who de- 
parted not from the temple, by fasting and prayers 

Why did Mary and Joseph take the Infant to Jerusalem ? Who 
was Simeon? How did he receive the divine Infant? What did 
Simeon say to the Blessed Virgin ? Who was Anna ? 



THE OFFERINGS OF THE WISE MEN. 145 

serving night and day. Now she at the same hour 
coming in, confessed to the Lord ; and spoke of Him 
to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. 



CHAPTER LXVII. 

THE OFFERINGS OF THE WISE MEN. MASSACRE OF THE 

CHILDREN OF BETHLEHEM. THE FLIGHT 

INTO EGYPT. 

NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of 
Juda, behold, there came wise men from the 
East to Jerusalem, saying : " Where is He that is born 
King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the 
East, and are come to adore Him." And King Herod 
hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with 
him. And assembling together all the chief priests 
and scribes, he inquired of them where Christ should 
be born. But they said to him : " In Bethlehem of 
Juda. For so it is written by the prophet : And thou 
Bethlehem in the land of Juda art not the least among 
the princes of Juda ; for out of thee shall come forth 
the Ruler that shall rule my people Israel." 

Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, 
learned diligently of them the time of the star which 
appeared to them ; and sending them into Bethlehem, 
said: " Go, and diligently inquire after the Child : and 

Who came to Jerusalem after the birth of our Lord ? Why 
was Herod alarmed, and what inquiries did he make? 

7 



146 BIBLE HISTORY. 

when yon have fonnd Him, bring me word again, that 
I also may come and adore Him." Who having heard 
the king, went their way ; and behold the star which 
they had seen in the East, went before them, until it 
came and stood over where the Child was. And seeing 
the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And 
entering into the house, they found the Child with 
Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him : 
and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, 
gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received 
an answer in sleep that they should not return to 
Herod, they went back another way into their country. 

And after they were departed, behold an Angel 
of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: 
" Arise, and take the child and His mother, and fly 
into Egypt, and be there until I shall tell thee. For 
it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child to 
destroy Him. 55 Who arose, and took the Child and 
His mother by night, and retired into Egypt : and he 
was there until the death of Herod. 

Then Herod, perceiving that he was deluded by 
the wise men, was exceedingly angry ; and sending, 
killed all the men-children that were in Bethlehem, 
and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and 
under, according to the time which he had inquired 
of the wise men. 

But when Herod was dead, behold, an Angel of 

What directions did Herod give? Relate the visit of the wise 
men. Why did they not return to Herod ? Why did Joseph fly 
with the divine Child and His mother ? When Herod saw that he 
had been deceived, what did lie do? 



DC 

- 




s m 



THE CHILD JESUS. 1- 1 

the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph in Egypt, saying : 
11 Arise, and take the Child and His mother, and go 
into the land of Israel, for they are dead that sought 
the life of the Child." Who arose, and took the Child 
and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 
But hearing that Archelaus reigned in Juclea in the 
room of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither. 
And coming into Galilee he dwelt in a city called 
Nazareth. 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 

THE CHILD JESUS IS FOUND AMONG THE DOCTORS. THE 

MISSION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. JESUS 

IS BAPTIZED. 

AND the Child waxed strong, full of wisdom : and 
l the grace of God was in Him. And His parents 
went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the 
pasch. And when He was twelve years old, they 
went up to Jerusalem ; when they returned, the 
Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and His parents 
knew it not. And thinking that He was in the com- 
pany, they came a day's journey, and sought Him 
among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And they 
returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him. And after 
three days they found Him in the temple sitting in the 

When did the Holy Family return from Egypt, and why did 
they retire into Galilee ? What occurred when the Blessed Virgin 
and St. Joseph returned from Jerusalem ? 



148 BIBLE HISTORY. 

midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them 
questions. 

And all that heard him were astonished at His 
wisdom and His answers. And seeing Him, they 
wondered. And His mother said to Him : " Son, why 
hast Thou done so to us ? behold Thy father and I 
have sought Thee sorrowing. 5 ' And He said to them : 
" How is it that you sought Me ; did you not know, 
that I must be about my Father's business ? " And He 
went down with them, and came to Nazareth ; and 
was subject to them. And His Mother kept all these 
words in her heart. 

Now John, the son of Zachary, went through all 
the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism 
of penance for the remission of sins. And the same 
John had his garment of camel's-hair, and a leathern 
girdle about his loins, and his meat was locusts and 
wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and 
all Judea, and all the country about Jordan, and were 
baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 

When John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees 
coming to his baptism, he rebuked them for their 
hypocrisy. Then testifying of the Messias he said : 
" I indeed baptize you in water unto penance, but He 
that shall come after me, is mighter than I, the latchet 
of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose ; He shall 
baptize you in the Holy Ghost and fire." 

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee 3 to the Jordan 
unto John to be baptized by him. But John stayed 

What is told of the preaching of John ? 



TESTIMONY OF ST. JOHN. 14:9 

Him, saying : " I ought to be baptized by Thee, and 
comest Thou to me ? " And Jesus answering, said to 
him : " Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us 
to fulfil all justice." Then he suffered Him. And 
■< Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water : 
and ]o, the Heavens were opened to Him, and He saw 
the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming 
upon Him. And behold a voice from Heaven, say- 
ing: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well 
pleased." 



CHAPTER LXIX. 

FARTHER TESTIMONY OF ST. JOHN. CALLING- OF SIMON 

PETER. JESUS RETIRES INTO THE DESERT. 

HE IS TEMPTED BY SATAN. 

WHEN the Jews sent priests from Jerusalem 
to question John concerning his mission, he 
declared plainly that he was not the Christ. And on 
a certain day, John stood, and two of his disciples. 
And beholding Jesus walking he saith : " Behold the 
Lamb of God, behold Him who taketh away the sins 
of the world." 

And two disciples heard Him speak, and they 
followed Jesus. Now Andrew, the brother of Simon 
Peter, was one of these : but he found first his brother 
Simon, and brought him to Jesus. And Jesus look- 

What occurred at the baptism of our Lord ? What testimony 
did John give to those who questioned him ? 



150 BIBLE HISTORY. 

ing upon hini, said: "Thou art Simon the son of 
Jona; tliou shalt be called Cephas, which is inter- 
preted, Peter." And some days after, He called the 
two sons of Zebedee, and they, leaving their nets, 
followed Him. 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert 
to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted 
forty days and forty nights, he was afterwards hungry. 
And the tempter coming said to him. " If Thou be 
the Son of God, command that these stones be made 
bread." Who answered and said : " It is written, Not 
in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that 
proceedeth from the mouth of God." 

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, 
and set Him upon the pinnacle of the temple, and 
said to Him : "If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thy- 
self down ; for it is written : That He hath given His 
Angels charge over Thee." Jesus said to him : " It 
is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy 
God." Again the devil took Him up into a very high 
mountain, and shewed Him all the kingdoms of the 
world, and the glory of them. And said to Him: 
"All these will I give Thee, if falling down, Thou 
wilt adore me." Then Jesus saith to him : " Begone, 
Satan, for it is written, The Lord thy God shalt thou 
adore, and Him only shalt thou serve." Then the 
devil left Him : and behold angels came and ministered 
to Him. 



Who wore called to follow Jesus ? Why was Jesus led into the 
desert ? Give an account of His temptation. 




< 
< 



H 






THE MARRIAGE FEAST OF CAN A. 151 






CHAPTER LXX. 

TIIE MARRIAGE FEAST OF CANA. — SELLERS AND BUYERS 

DRIVEN FROM TIIE TEMPLE. NICODEMUS 

COMES TO JESUS BY NIGHT, 

AND there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, 
JT\ and the mother of Jesns was there. And Jesus 
also was invited, and His disciples. And the wine 
failing, the mother of Jesus saith to Him : " They have 
no wine." And Jesus saith to her: "Woman, what 
is it to Me and to thee ? My hour is not yet come/' 
His mother saith to the waiters : " Whatsoever He 
shall say to you, do ye." Now there were set there 
six water-pots of stone, containing two or three 
measures apiece. Jesus saith to them : " Fill the 
water-pots with water." And they filled them up to 
the brim. And Jesus saith to them : " Draw out now, 
and carry to the chief steward." And they carried it. 
And when the chief steward had tasted the water made 
wine, he calleth the bridegroom, and saith to him : 
"Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when 
men have well drank, then that which is worse. But 
thou hast kept the good wine until now." 

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana 
of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples 
believed in Him. 



Relate the miracle of water changed to wine. 



152 BIBLE HISTORY. 

And the pasch of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus 
went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple 
them that sold oxen, and sheep, and doves, and the 
changers of money sitting. And when He had made 
as it were a scourge of little cords, He drove them all 
out of the temple, the sheep also and the oxen, and the 
money of the changers He poured out, and the tables 
He overthrew. And He said : " Take these things 
hence, and make not the house of My Father a house 
of traffic." 

And there was a man named Mcodemus, a ruler 
among the Jews. Being fearful of offending them, he 
came to Jesus by night, and questioned Him concern- 
ing His doctrine. Our Lord said to him : " Amen, 
amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he 
cannot see the kingdom of God." 

Nicodemus misunderstood these words, and 
asked: " How can a man be born when he is old ?" 
But Jesus answered : " Amen, amen, unless a man be 
born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot 
enter into the ♦kingdom of God." Then, seeing the 
upright heart of this doctor of the law, He instructed 
him concerning His divine character and mission. 

How did Nicodemus misunderstand the words of Christ? How 
did our Lord correct his error ? 







2£ 



TIIE SAMAKITxVN WOMAN. 153 



CHAPTER LXXL 

TnE SAMAKITAN WOMAN.— OUR LORD TEACHES IN TIIE 

SYNAGOGUE OF NAZARETH. CURE OF THE 

PARALYTIC. 

ON a certain day Jesus being weary, rested by 
Jacob's well near a city of Samaria, and His 
disciples went to buy food. A woman, who was a 
sinner, came to draw water. Jesus asked her to give 
him to drink, and then proceeded to declare to her the 
secret sins she had committed. He counselled her to 
seek of Him the living water which would spring up 
to eternal life. The woman was struck with admira- 
tion at what He said, and when Our Lord declared to 
her that He was the Messias, she hastened to the city 
saying to all whom she met : " Come, and see a man 
who has told me all things whatsoever I have done. 
Is not He the Christ ? " And many of the Samaritans 
believed, and Jesus abode in that place two days. 

On a certain Sabbath, Jesus entered into the 
synagogue in His own town of Nazareth. But when 
He read from Isaias, and explained the prophecies 
concerning the Messias, they wondered at the words 

What occurred when Jesus waited by Jacob's well ? What did 
our Lord reply to the question of the woman ? In what manner 
did Tie show His prophetic knowledge ? What report did the woman 
make ? What did our Lord read in the Synagogue of Nazareth ? 



154 BIBLE HISTORY. 

of grace that proceeded from His mouth, and they 
said : " Is not this the son of Joseph ? " 

Then Our Lord answered their thoughts, and con- 
cluded by saying : u Amen I say to you, that no pro- 
phet is accepted in his own country." 

And all they in the synagogue, hearing these 
things, were filled with anger. And they brought 
Him to the brow of the hill, whereon their city was 
built, that they might cast Him down headlong. But 
He passing through the midst of them, went His way, 

It came to pass on a certain day, as Jesus sat 
teaching, that there were also Pharisees and doctors 
of the law sitting by, that were come out of every 
town of Galilee and Judea, and Jerusalem. And 
behold men brought in a bed, a man who had the 
palsy ; and when they could not find by what way they 
might bring him in, because of the multitude, they- 
went up upon the roof, and let him down through the 
tiles with his bed into the midst before Jesus. Whose 
faith when He saw, He said : " Man, thy sins are for- 
given thee." And the scribes and Pharisees began 
to think, saying: "Who is this who speaketh blas- 
phemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? " 

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and answered: 
" What is it you think in your hearts ? Which is easier 
to say : Thy sins are forgiven thee ; or to say : Arise 
and walk? But that you may know that the Son of 

What did the people attempt to do ? Relate the cure of the 
paralytic. What did the scribes and Pharisees object ? In what 
words did our Lord rebuke them ? 



THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION. 155 

Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to 
the sick of the palsy) I say to thee : Arise, take up thy 
bed, and go into thy house." And immediately rising 
up he took the bed on which he lay, and went to his 
own house, glorifying God. 



CHAPTER LXXIL 

THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION. CALLING OF ST. MAT- 
THEW. TnE WIDOW OF NAIM. THE DINNER IN 

THE HOUSE OF SIMON THE PHARISEE. 

AND in Capharnaum, there came to Jesus a cen- 
-/jL turion, saying: "Lord, my servant lieth at home 
sick, and is grievously tormented." And Jesus saith : 
" I will come and heal him." And the centurion 
said: "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst 
enter under my roof: but only say the word, and my 
servant shall be healed. For I also am a man subject 
to authority, having under me soldiers ; and I say to 
this : Go, and he goeth, and to another : Come, and he 
cometh, and to my servant : Do this, and he doeth it." 

And Jesus hearing, marvelled ; and said to them : 
" Amen I say to you, I have not found so great faith 
in Israel. And He said to the centurion : " Go, and 
as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee." And the 
servant was healed at the same hour. 

What was the petition of the centurion ? In what words did he 
show his humility and faith ? What did Jesus answer ? 



156 BIBLE HISTORY. 

At this time our Lord called Matthew, a collector 
of customs, to follow him. He arose and followed 
Him and was counted among the twelve apostles. 
Jesus continued to work miracles, and on one occasion 
at the city of Nairn He raised to life a young man, the 
only son of a widow. They were taking him to be 
buried, and a great multitude followed. And this 
rumor of Him went forth throughout all Judea, and 
throughout all the country round about. 

And Jesus went into the house of a Pharisee, and 
sat down to meat. And behold a woman of the city, 
a sinner, when she knew that He sat at meat in the 
Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment ; 
and standing behind at His feet, she began to wash 
them with tears, and wipe them with the hairs of her 
head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them. And 
the Pharisee, who had invited Him, seeing it, spoke 
within himself, saying : " This man, if He were a pro- 
phet, would know surely who and what manner of 
woman this is that toucheth Him, that she is a sinner." 

And Jesus answering, said to him : " Simon, I 
have somewhat to say to thee." But he said : " Master, 
say it." " A certain creditor had two debtors, the one 
owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And 
whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave 
them both. Which of the two loveth him most?" 
Simon answering said: "I suppose that he to whom 

Relate the raising of the widow's son. Who entered the hall 
when Jesus sat at meat ? How was the Pharisee ecnndalized ? 
What did our Lord reply ? 



IMPRISONMENT AND DEATH OF ST. JOHN. 157 

he fonrave most." And He said to him : " Thou hast 
judged rightly. And I say to thee : Many sins are 
forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to 
whom less is forgiven he loveth less." And He said 
to her : " Thy sins are forgiven thee." And they that 
sat at meat with Him began to say within themselves : 
" Who is this that forgiveth sins also?" And He said 
to the woman : " Thy faith hath made thee whole, go 
in peace." 



CHAPTER LXXIII. 

IMPRISONMENT AND DEATH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

NOW John the Baptist reproved Herod boldly 
because he had taken Herodias, his brother's 
w T ife ; and for many other crimes which he had com- 
mitted. Herod, being very angry, cast John into 
prison. 

The holy Precursor knew that his mission was 
ended, and his only care w T as to convince his disciples 
that Jesus was the Messias, that they might henceforth 
follow Him. He sent them, therefore, as if to question 
Our Lord for himself. 

And when the men were come unto Him, they 
said : " John the Baptist hath sent us to Thee, saving : 
Art Thou He that art to come ; or look we for an- 
other?" (And in that same hour He cured many of 

Why did Herod imprison John ? What did John send liis dis- 
ciples to ask ? 



158 BIBLE HISTORY. 

their diseases, and to many that were blind He gave 
sight.) And answering, Jesus said : " Go and relate 
to John what you have heard and seen : The blind 
see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf 
hear, the dead rise again, and to the poor the gospel 
is preached." 

Now Herodias laid snares for John: and was 
desirous to put him to death and could not; for Herod 
feared him, knowing him to be a just and holy man. 
And when a convenient day was come, Herod made a 
supper for his birthday, for the princes and chief men 
of Galilee. And when the daughter of the same 
Herodias had come in, and had danced, and pleased 
Herod and them that were at table with him, the king 
said to the damsel : " Ask of me what thou wilt, and 
I will give it thee." And he swore to her : " What- 
soever thou shalt ask I will give thee, though it be the 
half of my kingdom." Who when she was gone out, 
said to her mother : " What shall I ask ? " Btft she 
said : " The head of John the Baptist." And when 
she was come in with haste to the king, she asked, 
saying : " I will that forthwith thou give me in a dish 
the head of John the Baptist." And the king was 
struck sad. Yet because of his oath, and because of 
them that were with him at table, he would not dis- 
please her ; but sending an executioner, he commanded 
that the head of John should be brought in a dish. 

What answer did John's disciples receive ? What did Herodias 
desire to do ? What occurred at the feast ? W^hat did the damsel 
ask ? Why did Herod grant her request ? 



JESUS SENDS IIIS DISCIPLES OUT. 159 

And tbe executioner brought it, and gave it to the 
damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother. Which 
his disciples hearing, came, and took his body, and 
laid it in a tomb. 



CHAPTER LXXIY. 

JESUS SENDS HIS DISCIPLES WITH POWER TO PREACH, AND 

HEAL DISEASES. — MIRACLES OF THE LOAVES AND 

FISHES. ST. PETER WALKS UPON THE SEA. 

OF the disciples who followed Jesus, He chose 
twelve whom He named also Apostles : Simon, 
whom He surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, 
James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew 
and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon 
who is called Zelotes, and Jude, the brother of James, 
and Judas Iscariot who was the traitor. 

And having called the twelve disciples, Jesus 
commanded them, saying : " The kingdom of heaven 
is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the 
lepers, cast out devils : freely have you received, freely 
give. Do not possess gold, nor silver, nor money in 
your purses, nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats, 
nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of 
his meat. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor 
hear your words, going forth out of that house or city 

Name the twelve Apostles. What instructions did our Lord 
give tliem ? 



160 BIBLE HISTORY. 

shake" off the dust from your feet. Amen I say to you, 
it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and 
Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." 

After the disciples had returned from their 
mission, our Lord led them apart to a desert place. 
Even here a multitude followed from all the cities, and 
Jesus had compassion on them, and He began to teach 
them many things. And when the day was far spent, 
His disciples came, saying : " This is a desert place, 
and the hour is past. Send them away, that going 
into the villages and towns, they may buy meat." 

And Jesus said to the disciples : " Give you them 
to eat." And they said to Him : " Let us go and buy 
bread for two hundred pence, and we will give them 
to eat." And He saith : * How many loaves have 
you ? go and see." And when they knew, they said : 
u Five, and two fishes." And He commanded them 
that they should make them all sit down by companies 
upon the green grass. And when He had taken the 
live loaves, and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, 
He blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave to His 
disciples to set before them ; and the two fishes He 
divided among them all. And they all did eat, and had 
their fill. And they took up the leavings, twelve full 
baskets of fragments, and of the fishes. And they that 
did eat, were five thousand men. 

Our Lord wrought the same miracle on another occasion, feed- 
ing a great multitude with seven loaves and a few small fishes. 

What did the disciples ask our Lord to do ? Give an account 
of the miracle. 



ST. PETER WALKS UPON THE SEA. 161 

Jesus then dismissed the multitude, and sent his 
disciples into the ship, while He went apart to pray. 
And when it was late, the ship was in the midst of the 
sea, and Himself alone on the land. And seeing them 
laboring in rowing, for the wind was against them, 
lie came to them walking upon the sea. But they 
seeing Him, thought it was an apparition, and they 
cried out, and were troubled. And immediately He 
spoke with them, and said to them : " Have a good 
heart ; it is I, fear not." 

And Peter said : " Lord, if it be Thou, bid me 
come to Thee upon the waters." And He said : 
" Come." And Peter going down, walked upon the 
water to come to Jesus. But seeing the wincj, strong, 
he was afraid ; and when he began to sink, he cried out, 
saying : " Lord, save me." And immediately Jesus, 
stretching forth His hand, took hold of him, and said : 
" O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt ?" And 
when they were come into the boat, the wind ceased. 
And they that were in the boat came and adored Him, 
saying : " Indeed Thou art the Son of God." 

What occurred after Jesus had dismissed the people ? 



162 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTER LXXY. 

THE SACRAMEISTT OF THE EUCHARIST. WORDS OF PROM- 
ISE. ST. PETER CONFESSES THE DIVINITY OF 

CHRIST. HE IS APPOINTED TO RULE 

THE CHURCH. 

WHEN the people thronged to liear our Lord, 
He reproved them because they sought Him, 
not for the signs which they had seen, but rather on 
account of the loaves and fishes with which they had 
been fed in the wilderness. And Jesus said to them : 
"I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me, shall 
not hunger; and he that believeth in Me, shall never 
thirst. Because I came down from heaven, not to do 
my own will, but the will of Him that sent Me." 

The Jews therefore murmured. And they said : 
" Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and 
mother we know ? How then saith He, I came down 
from heaven?" 

Jesus therefore answered and said: "Amen, 
amen I say unto you : He that believeth in Me hath 
everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers 
did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. I am the 
living bread, which came down from heaven. If any 
man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever ; and the 

With what did our Lord reproach the Jews ? What promise 
did he make ? Why did the Jews murmur ? Did our Lord explain 
his words ? 



THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST. 163 

bread that I will give, is my flesh for the life of the 
world." 

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, 
saying : " How can this man give us His flesh to eat i " 
Then Jesus said to them : " Amen, amen I say unto 
you : Except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and 
drink His blood, you shall not have life in you. He 
that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath 
everlasting life ; and I will raise him up in the last 
day. For my flesh is meat indeed ; and my blood is 
drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh 
my blood, abideth in Me, and I in him. As the living 
Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he 
that eateth Me, the same also shall live by Me. This 
is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as 
your fathers did eat jnanna, and are dead. He that 
eateth this bread, shall live for ever." 

Some therefore murmured and said : " This say- 
ing is hard, and who can hear it % " And after this 
many of His disciples went back, and walked no more 
with Him. Then Jesus said to the twelve : " Will you 
also go away?" And Simon Peter answered Him: 
" Lord, to whom shall we go % Thou hast the words 
of eternal life." 

And Jesus asked His disciples, saying : " Whom 
do men say that the Son of Man is?" But they said : 
" Some, John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and 
others Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Jesus saith 

What did some of the disciples do ? What testimony did Simon 
Peter give? What question did Jesus put to his disciples? 



164 BIBLE HISTORY. 

to them : " But whom do you say that I am ? " Simon 
Peter answered and said: " Thou art Christ the Son 
of the living God." 

And Jesus answering, said to him : " Blessed art 
thou Simon Bar-Jona, because flesh and blood hath not 
revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. 
And I say to thee : That thou art Peter ; and upon 
this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell 
shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee 
the keys of the kingdom of heaven : And whatsoever 
thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in 
heaven : and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it 
shall be loosed also in heaven. 



CHAPTER LXXYI. 

CUEIST STILLS THE TEMPEST. HE ANSWERS TnE PHARI- 
SEES CONCERNING THE SABBATH. HE IS TRANS- 
FIGURED. HE DECLARES THAT MARRIAGE 

IS NOT TO BE DISSOLVED. CHRIST 

BLESSES LITTLE CHILDREN. 

FROM that time Jesus began to show to His dis- 
ciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and sutler 
many things from the ancients and scribes and chief- 
priests, and be put to death, and the third day rise 
again. And Tie said : " If any man will come after 

What did Simon Peter say ? In what words did our Lord com- 
mend his faith ? What did Jesus begin to show his disciples? 




O 

o 



-/: 



DO 

3 



CHRIST STILLS THE TEMPE 165 

Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and 
follow Me. For he that will save his life shall lose it, 
and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find 
it. For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole 
world, and suffer the loss of his own soul 1 Or what 
exchange shall a man give for his soul?" 

And Jesus wishing to pass over the water entered 
into a boat, His disciples following Him. And behold 
a great tempest arose, so that the boat was covered 
with waves ; but He was asleep. And they carpe to 
Him, and awaked Him, saying : " Lord, save us, we 
perish ! " And Jesus saith to them : " Why are you 
fearful, O ye of little faith ? " Then rising up, He com- 
manded the winds, and the sea. and there was a great 
calm. But the men wondered, saying : " What manner 
of man is this, for the winds and the sea obev him ?" 

On a certain day the Pharisees reproached the 
disciples of Jesus, because on the Sabbath, passing 
through the corn-fields, they plucked the ears and ate. 
Our Lord rebuked their superstitions and rigid observ- 
ance, and declared that works of necessity and charity 
were not to be forbidden on that day. 

And after six days, Jesus taketh with Him Peter 
and James and John, and leadeth them up into a high 
mountain apart, and was transfigured before them. 
And His garments became shining and exceeding 
white as snow. And behold two men were talking 

What occurred after He entered into the boat ? What reproach 
did the Pharisees make ? What did Jesus answer ? What occurred 
when Jesus went to the mountain with Peter, James, and John ? 



166 BIBLE HISTORY. 

with Him. And they were Moses and Elias, appear- 
ing in majesty ; and they spoke of His decease that 
He should acccomplish in Jerusalem. 

But Peter and they that were with Him saw 
His glory, and the two men that stood with Him. 
And Peter saith to Jesus : " Master, it is good for us 
to be here ; and let us make three tabernacles, one for 
Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias;" not 
knowing what he said. And as he spoke a cloud 
overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the 
cloud, saying : rt This is my beloved Son, hear ye 
Him." And whilst the voice was uttered, Jesus was 
found alone. 

In answer to questions of the Pharisees, Jesus 
declared that the bond oi^marriage is never to be dis- 
solved. He said : " Moses by reason of the hardness of 
your heart permitted you to put away your wives : but 
from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, 
that whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be 
for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth 
adultery; and he that shall marry her that is put 
away, committeth adultery." 

Then were little children presented to Him, that 
He should impose hands upon them. And the dis- 
ciples rebuked them. But Jesus said to them : " Suffer 
little children, and forbid them not to come to Me : for 
of such is the kingdom of heaven." 

Who appeared talking with Him? How did the vision dis- 
appear? What question did the Pharisees ask? What did our 
Lord reply ? What is related of the little children? 



THE RICII YOUNG MAN. 167 



CHAPTER LXXVIL 

THE YOUNG MAN WHO HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS. — MAETHA 
AND MARY. LAZARUS RAISED TO LIFE. 

AND one came and said to Jesus : " Good Master, 
x\. what shall I do that I may have life everlast- 
ing i " Who said to him : " If thou wilt enter into 
life, keep the commandments." The young man saith 
to Him : -" All these have I kept from my youth ; what 
is yet wanting % " Jesus looking on him, loved him, 
and said : " If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell what thou 
hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure 
in heaven : and come, follow Me." 

And when the young man had heard this word, 
he went away sad ; for he had great possessions. Then 
Jesus said to His disciples : " Amen I say to you, that 
a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of 
heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a 
camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a 
rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven." And 
they wondered, saying : " Who then can be saved ? " 
And Jesus said to them: "With men this is im- 
possible, but with God all things are possible." 

Then Peter answering, said to Him : " Behold 

What question was put by the young man? What did the 
young man say ? What counsel did Jesus give ? What followed? 
What did Jesus say of riches? 



168 BIBLE HISTORY. 

we have left all things, and have followed Thee ; what 
therefore shall we have ? " And Jesus said to them : 
u When the Son of Man shall sit on the seat of His 
Majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats, judging the 
twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath left 
house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or 
wife, or children, or lands for my name's sake, shall 
receive an hundred-fold, and shall possess life ever- 
lasting." 

And Jesus came to Bethania ; and a certain woman 
named Martha received Him into her house. And 
she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the 
Lord's feet, heard His word. But Martha was busy 
about much serving. Who came and said: "Lord, 
hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to 
serve ? Speak to her therefore that she help me." And 
the Lord answering, said to her : " Martha, Martha, 
thou art careful, and are troubled about many things. 
But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the 
better part, which shall not be taken away from her." 

This Mary, generally known as Mary Magdalen, 
was the same who had formerly anointed the Lord 
with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair. Her 
brother, Lazarus, was taken sick, and the sisters sent 
a message to Jesus, saying: "Lord, he whom thou 
lovest is sick." Our Lord did not seem to heed the 

What did St. Peter say? What does our Lord promise to those 
who renounce friends or possessions ? What occurred in the house 
of Martha? Who was Lazarus? What message did his sisters 
send ? Did our Lord return immediately ? 



LAZAEU3 RAISED TO LIFE. 1G9 

sorrow of this devout household, but remained in the 
same place. When, at length, lie came to Bethania, 
Lazarus had been buried four days. 

And Martha said to Jesus : " Lord, if Thou hadst 
been here, my brother had not died." Jesus saith to 
her : " Thy brother shall rise again." Martha saith to 
Him : " I know that he shall rise again in the resur- 
rection at the last day." Jesus said to her : " I am the 
resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, 
although he be dead, shall live. And every one that 
liveth. and believeth in Me, shall not die forever. Be- 
lievest thou this ?" She saith to Him : " Yea Lord, I 
have believed that Thou art Christ the Son of the 
living God." 

Then Jesus went, accompanied by Martha and 
Mary, and many persons who had come to comfort 
them, and they came to the tomb of Lazarus. And 
Jesus commanded that they should take away the 
stone from the mouth of the sepulchre. Then Jesus 
lifting up His eyes, said : "Father, I give Thee thanks 
that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou 
hearest Me always ; but because of the people who 
stand about have I said it, that they may believe." 
Then He cried with a loud voice: "Lazarus, come 
forth." And presently he that had been dead came 
forth, bound feet and hands with winding-bands, and 
his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said 
to them : " Loose him and let him go." 

What took place when Martha went out to meet him ? What 
took place at the tomb of Lazarus ? 



170 BIBLE HISTORY. 

This miracle created much excitement among 
the Jews. Some went to the Pharisees, and told 
them the things that Jesus had done. The chief 
priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council 
and said: "What do we, for this man doth many 
miracles ? If we let Him alone so, all will believe in 
Him, and the Romans will come, and take away our 
place and nation." 

From that day therefore they devised to put Jesus 
to death. "Wherefore He walked no more openly 
among them. 

What was the effect of this miracle ? What did the priests and 
Pharisees say ? What did they devise from that day ? 



SEYEHTH PERIOD. 

PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 



REMARK. 

That the narrative of our Lord's life might be less interrupted, 
various instructions and parables are given in this place rather 
than in the connection in which they are found in the New Testa- 
ment. According to this arrangement, they follow the history of 
the raising of Lazarus, and precede the events of the last week of 
the public life of Christ. 



CHAPTEE LXXVIII. 

FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. 
THE EIGHT BEATITUDES. 

BLESSED are the poor in spirit : for theirs is 
the kingdom of heaven. 
Blessed are the meek : for they shall possess the 
land. 

Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be 
comforted. 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after 
justice : for they shall have their fill. 

How are the public instructions of our Lord placed ? 



172 J3IBLE HISTORY. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain 
mercy. 

Blessed are the clean of heart : for they shall see 
God. 

Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be 
called the children of God. 

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice 
sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and 
persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, 
untruly, for my sake ; 

Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great 
in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that 
were before you. 

THAT WE SHOULD DESPISE EICHES AND TEUST H? THE 
PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 

Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth 
where the rust and moth consume, and where thieves 
break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves 
treasures in heaven ; where neither the rust nor moth 
doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, 
nor steal. For where thy treasure is there is thy heart 
also. 

No man can serve two masters. For either he 
will hate the one, and love the other : or he will sustain 
the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God 
and Mammon. 

Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your 

Repeat the Ei^ht Beatitudes. What should we not lay up ? 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONTINUED. 173 

life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you 
shall put on. Behold the birds of the air, for they 
neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns, 
and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you 
of much more value than they? 

And for raiment why are you solicitous ? Con- 
sider the lilies of the field how they grow ; they labor 
not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not 
even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of 
these. And if the grass of the field, which is to-day, 
and to-morrow is cast into the oven, God doth so 
clothe ; how much more you, O ye of little faith ? 



CHAPTEE LXXIX. 

INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONTINUED. 

THE REWARD RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO ARE MERCIFUL 
IN THOUGHT AND ACTION. 

BE ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is 
merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be 
judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be con- 
demned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. Give, 
and it shall be given to you : good measure and 
pressed down, and shaken together, and running over 
shall they give into your bosom. For with the same 

What comparisons did Jesus use when speaking of divine Pro- 
vidence? What promises are made to those who do not judge 
others ? To those who give generously ? 



174 BIBLE HISTORY. 

i 

measure that you shall mete withal, it shall be meas- 
ured to you again. 

ON FORGIVENESS OF INJURIES. 

If thy brother offend against thee, go, and rebuke 
him between thee and him alone. If he shall hear 
thee, thou shalt gain thy brother. And if he will not 
hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that in 
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may 
stand. And if he will not hear them, tell the church. 
And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee 
as the heathen and publican. 

Then Peter said: "Lord, how often shall my 
brother offend against me, and I forgive him? till 
seven times?" Jesus saith to him: "I say not to 
thee, till seven times ; but till seventy times seven 
times." 

THE ACCOUNT WHICH WILL BE TAKEN OF WORKS OF 
CBTARITY IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. 

And when the Son of Man shall come in His 
majesty, and all the angels with Him, then shall He 
sit upon the seat of His majesty. And all nations shall 
be gathered together before Him, and He shall separate 
them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the 
sheep from the goats. . And He shall set the sheep on 
His right hand, but the goats on His left. 

What did our Lord say of forgiving injuries? What did St. 
Peter ask ? What did Jesns reply ? What will they reply ? What 
separation will be made at the last day ? 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PAKABLES CONTINUED. 175 

Then shall the King say to them that shall be on 
His right hand : " Come, ye blessed of my Father, 
possess the kingdom prepared for you from the founda- 
tion of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave 
Me to eat ; I was thirsty, and you gave Me to drink ; 
I was a stranger, and you took Me in ; naked, and you 
covered Me; sick, and you visited Me; I was in 
prison, and you came to Me." 

Then shall the just answer Him, saying : " Lord, 
when did we see Thee hungry, and fed Thee ; thirsty, 
and gave Thee drink ? And when did we see Thee a 
stranger, and took Thee in; or naked, and covered 
Thee ? Or when did we see Thee sick or in prison, 
and came to Thee ? " And the King answering, shall 
say to them : " Amen I say to you, as long as you did 
it to one of these my least brethren, you did it unto 
Me." 

Then He shall say to them on His left hand: 
" Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire 
which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For 
I was hungry, and you gave Me not to eat; I was 
thirsty, and you gave Me not to drink. I was a stran- 
ger, and you took Me not in ; naked, and you covered 
Me not ; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit 
Me." Then they also shall answer Him, saying: 
" Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty, or a 
stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not 
minister unto Thee i " Then He shall answer them, 
saying : " Amen I say to you, as long as you did it not 

What will the judge say to the just ? 



176 BIBLE HISTORY. 

to one of these least, neither did you do it unto Me." 
And these shall go into everlasting punishment ; but 
the just, into life everlasting. 



CHAPTER LXXX. 

INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONTINUED. 
PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS, 

THERE was a certain rich man who was clothed 
in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously 
every day. And there was a certain beggar named 
Lazarus, who lay at his gate, full of sores, desiring to 
be filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's 
table, and no one did give him. 

And it came to pass that the beggar died, and 
was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. 
And the rich man also died : and he was buried in 
hell. And lifting up his eyes, when he was in tor- 
ments, he saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his 
bosom. And he cried and said : " Father Abraham, 
have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip 
the tip of his finger in water, to cool my tongue, for I am 
tormented in this flame." And Abraham said to him : 
" Son, remember that thou didst receive good things 
in thy life time, and likewise Lazarus evil things : but 
now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And 

Relate the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONTINUED. 177 

besides all this, between us and you there is fixed a 
great chaos ; so that they who would pass from hence 
to you, cannot, nor from thence come hither." 

And the rich man said: u Then, father, I beseech 
thee that thou woulclst send him to my father's house, 
for I have five brethren ; that he may testify unto 
them, lest they also come into this place of torments." 
And Abraham said to him : " They have Moses and 
the prophets: let them hear them." But he said: 
" No, father Abraham, but if one went to them from 
the dead, they will do penance." And he said to him: 
" If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will 
they believe, if one rise again from the dead." 

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 

When a certain lawyer questioned as to the way 
of salvation, our Lord exhorted him to love God above 
all things and his neighbor as himself. But he willing 
to justify himself, said to Jesus : " And who is my 
neighbor ? " And Jesus answering, said : u A certain 
man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell 
among robbers, who also stripped him, and having 
wounded him, went away, leaving him half dead. 
And it chanced that a certain priest went down the 
same way, and seeing him, passed by. In like manner 
also a Levite, when he was near the place and saw 
him, passed by. But a certain Samaritan being on his 
journey, came near him; and seeing him, was moved 
with compassion. And going up to him, bound up 

What did the lawyer ask ? 



178 BIBLE HISTORY. 

his wounds, pouring in oil and wine ; and setting him 
upon his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took 
care of him. And the next day he took out two 
pence, and gave to the host, and said: 'Take care 
of him; and whatsoever thou shalt spend over and 
above, I at my return will repay thee.' Which of 
these three, in thy opinion, was neighbor to him that 
fell among the robbers?" But he said: "He that 
shewed mercy to him." And Jesus said to him : " Go, 
and do thou in like manner." 



CHAPTER LXXXI. 

INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONTINUED. 
AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. 

ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and you 
» shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened to you. 
For every one that asketh, receiveth ; and he that 
seeketh, findeth ; and to him that knocketh, it shall be 
opened. What man is there among you, of whom 
if his son shall ask bread, will he reach him a stone ? 
Or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a 
serpent ? 

If you then, being evil, know how to give good 
gifts to your children ; how much more will your 
Father, who is in heaven, give good things to them 

Relate the parable of tlie Good Samaritan. How does our Lord 
exhort us to prayer ? 







< 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONTINUED. 179 

that ask him? All things therefore whatsoever you 
would that men should do to you, do you also to them. 
For this is the law and the prophets. 

Enter ye in at the narrow gate ; for wide is the 
gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, 
and many there are who go in thereat. How narrow 
is the gate, and strait is the way, that leadeth to life ! 
and few there are that find it. 

ON PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER. PARABLE OF THE 

UNJUST JUDGE. 

And he spoke also a parable to them, that we 
ought always to pray, and not to faint. Saying: 
There was a judge in a certain city, who feared not 
God, nor regarded man. And there was a certain 
widow in that city, and she came to him, saying: 
" Avenge me of my adversary." And he would not 
for a long time. But he afterwards said within him- 
self: "Although I fear not God, nor regard man, yet 
because this widow is troublesome to me, I will avenge 
her, lest continually coming she weary me." 

And the Lord said : " Hear what the unjust judge 
saith. And will not God avenge his elect who cry 
to him day and night." 

ON HUMILITY IN PRAYER. THE PHARISEE AND THE 

PUBLICAN. 

And to some who trusted in themselves as just, 
and despised others, Jesus spoke also this parable: 

Repeat parable of unjust judge. 



180 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Two men went up into the temple to pray : the one a 
Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee 
standing prayed thus with himself: u O God, I give 
Thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extor- 
tioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I 
fast twice in a week; I give tithes of all that I 
possess." And the publican, standing afar off, would 
not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven ; but 
struck his breast, saying : " O God be merciful to me 
a sinner." I say* to you this man went down into his 
house justified rather than the other: because every 
one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled ; and he 
that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. 



CHAPTER LXXXII. 

INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONCLUDED. 

CUEIST REPROVES THE AMBITION OF HIS DISCIPLES. HE 

PROPOSES A LITTLE CHILD AS THEIR MODEL, AND 
WARNS THEM OF THE SIN OF SCANDAL. 

AND when the disciples came to Capharnaum 
jl\ Jesus asked them : " What did you treat of in 
the way ? " But they held their peace ; for in the way 
they had disputed among themselves, which of them 
should be the greatest. And sitting down, He saith 



Repeat parable of the Pharisee and publican. Why were the 
disciples silent when our Lord questioned them? 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONCLUDED. 181 

to them : " If any man desire to be first, he shall be 
last of all." 

And taking a child, lie set him in the midst of 
them. Whom when He had embraced, He saith : 
" Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, 
he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he 
that shall receive one such little child in my name, 
receiveth Me. But lie that shall scandalize one of 
these little ones that believe in Me ; it were better for 
him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, 
and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. 

Wo to the world because of scandals. For it 
must needs be that scandals come ; but nevertheless 
wo to that man by whom the scandal cometh. 

PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST. 

And Jesus spoke again in parables, saying : The 
kingdom of heaven is likened to a king, who made a 
marriage for his son. And he sent his servants, to 
call them that were invited ; and they would not come. 
Again he sent other servants, saying : " Tell them that 
were invited: Behold, I have prepared my dinner; 
my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are 
ready : come ye to the marriage." But they neglected, 
and went their ways, one to his farm, and another to 
his merchandise. And the rest laid hands on his ser- 
vants, and having treated them contumeliously, put 
them to death. 

What model did He present to them ? Relate the parable of 
the Marriage Feast. 



182 BIBLE HISTORY. 

But when the king had heard of it, he was 
angry; and sending his armies, he destroyed those 
murderers, and burnt their city. Then he saith to his 
servants : " The marriage indeed is ready ; but they 
that were invited were not worthy. Go ye therefore 
into the highways; and as many as you shall find, 
call to the marriage." And his servants going forth 
into the ways, gathered together all that they found, 
both bad and good ; and the marriage was filled with 
guests. 

And the king went in to see the guests; and he 
saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. 
And he saith to him : " Friend, how earnest thou in 
hither not having on a wedding garment ? " But he 
was silent. Then the king said to the waiters : " Bind 
his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior 
darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of 
teeth." For many are called, but few are chosen. 

THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN REJOICE AT THE CONVERSION 

OF SINNERS. 

What man of you that hath an hundred sheep ; 
and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the 
ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was 
lost? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his 
shoulders rejoicing ? And coining home call his friends 
and neighbors, saying: "Rejoice with me, because I 
have found my sheep that was lost ? " I say to you 
that even so there shall be joy before the angels of God 

What did Christ say of the repentance of sinners ? 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PARABLES CONCLUDED. 183 

upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon 
ninety -nine just who need not penance. 

CHRIST IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 

I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd 
giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling and he 
that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, 
seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep, and 
flieth; and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the 
sheep. And the hireling flieth because he is a hireling ; 
and he hath no care for the sheep. 

I am the Good Shepherd ; and I know Mine, 
and Mine know Me. As the Father knoweth Me, 
and I know the Father : and I lay down my life for 
my sheep. And other sheep I have, that are not of 
this fold ; them also I must bring, and they shall hear 
my voice, and there shall be one fold arid one Shep- 
herd. Therefore doth the Father love Me ; because I 
lay down my life, that I may take it again. No man 
taketh it away from Me : but I lay it down of myself; 
and I have power to lay it down, and I have power to 
take it up again. 

What does Christ say of the Good Shepherd ? 



184 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTER LXXXIII. 

EVENTS OF THE LAST WEEK OF THE PUBLIC Lxr^ 

OF CHRIST, 

THE SUPPER IN BETHANIA. 

JESUS, six days before the pasch, came to Bethania, 
where dwelt Lazarus. And they made Him a 
supper there in the house of Simon the leper; and 
Martha served, but Lazarus was at table with Him. 
Mary, therefore, took a box of precious spikenard ; and 
breaking the box, she poured it on His head ; and the 
house was filled with the odor of the ointment. And 
some murmured, and one of His disciples, Judas 
Iscariot, he 'that was about to betray Him, said : 
" Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred 
pence, and given to the poor ? " Now he said this, not 
because he cared for the poor, but because he was a 
thief, and having the purse, carried the things that 
were put therein. 

And Jesus knowing it, said : " Why do ye trouble 
this woman ; for she hath wrought a good work upon 
Me ; for the poor you have always with you, but Me 
you have not always. For she in pouring this oint- 
ment upon my body, hath done it for my burial. 
Amen I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be 

Where was there a sapper made for Jesus ? What did Mary 
do ? Why did Judas murmur ? How did Jesus justify her? 



JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM. 185 

preached in the whole world, that also which she hath 
done shall be told for a memory of her." 

JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM REDING ON AN ASS. HE 

WEEPS OVER THE CTIY. 

And when Jesus had come nigh to Jerusalem, he 
sent two of His disciples to bring Him the colt of an 
ass which they should find tied in a certain place. And 
the owner consenting, they loosed the ass, and they 
brought him to Jesus. And casting their garments on 
the colt, they set Jesus thereon. 

And a very great multitude spread their gar- 
ments in the way ; and others cut boughs from the 
trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multi- 
tudes that went before and that followed cried, saying : 
" Hosanna to the Son of David : Blessed is He that 
cometh in the name of the Lord." 

And when He drew near, seeing the city, He 
wept over it, saying : " If thou also hadst known in 
this thy day, the things that are to thy peace; but 
now they are hidden from thy eyes. For the days 
shall come upon thee, and thy enemies shall cast a 
trench about thee, and compass thee round, and straiten 
thee on every side, and they shall not leave in thee a 
stone upon a stone, because thou hast not known the 
time of thy visitation." 

And Jesus was found teaching daily in the 
temple. 

Relate His entry into Jerusalem. In what words did our Lord 
lament over the city ? 



186 BIBLE HISTORY. 



THE EIGHT OF CAESAR TO TRIBUTE. 

And some of the Pharisees and of the Hero- 

dians strove to catch Him in His words. Who 
coming, say to Him : " Master, is it lawful to give 
tribute to Caesar." Who saith to them : " Why 
tempt you Me? bring me a penny." And they 
brought it Him. And He saith to them : " Whose 
image and inscription is this?" They say to Him, 
"Caesar's." And Jesus said to them: "Bender 
therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and 
to God the things that are God's." And they mar- 
velled at Him. 

THE WIDOW'S MITE. 

And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, 
beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, 
and many that were rich cast in much. And there 
came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, 
which make a farthing. And He saith to His dis- 
ciples : " Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath 
cast in more than all the rest. For all they did cast 
in of their abundance ; but she of her want cast in all 
she had, even her whole living." 

During these last days our Lord warned His 
disciples of the persecutions which awaited His fol- 
lowers, and prophesied of the destruction of Jerusalem 



How did the Herodians and Pharisees seek to catch Him in His 
words? What is related of the widow's mite? 



JESUS REPKOACHES THE JEWS. 187 

and of the Temple.* He spoke also of the signs which 
should precede the end of the world, and His second 
coming, and foretold the incredulity of men in the 
latter days. He mourned bitterly over the judgments 
which the Jews were about to draw upon themselves, 
saying : " Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the 
prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, 
how often would I have gathered together thy 
children, as the hen doth gather her chickens under 
her wings, and thou wouldest not. Behold, your 
house shall be left to you desolate." 

Meantime there went one of the twelve, who 
was called Judas Iscariot, to the chief priests, and said 
to them : " What will you give me, and I will deliver 
him unto you ? " But they appointed him thirty pieces 
of silver. And from thenceforth he sought opportunity 
to betray Him. 

In what words did Jesus reproach the Jews? 

* The prophecies concerning Jerusalem were fulfilled in a terrible man- 
ner, a. d. 70, when the city and Temple were destroyed by the Romans 
under Titus. Thousands of those who listened incredulously to the words of 
Jesus were yet living to witness their accomplishment. 



188 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTER LXXXIV. 

JESUS CELEBRATES THE PASCHAL SUPPER, AFTER WHICH 

HE INSTITUTES THE UNBLOODY SACRIFICE OF THE 

NEW LAW AND THE SACRAMENT OF THE 

MOST HOLY EUCHARIST. 

NOW on the first day of the unleavened 
bread, Jesus sent two of His disciples into 
Jerusalem to prepare a place where He might eat the 
pasch. 

And when the hour was come, He sat down 
and the twelve apostles with Him. And He said 
to them : " With desire I have desired to eat this 
pasch with you before I suffer." After celebrating 
the pasch according to the Mosaic rite, our Lord 
proceeded to institute the great sacrament of the 
jSTew Law. 

And taking bread, He gave thanks and brake, 
and gave to them, saying : " This is my body which 
is given for you. Do this for' a commemoration of 
Me." In like manner the chalice also, after He had 
supped, saying : " This is the chalice, the new testa- 
ment in my blood, which shall be shed for you. But 
yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with 
Me on the table." 

In what words did our Lord institute the Sacrament of His Body 
and Blood? 



r 

7: 




TREASON . OF JUDAS. 189 

JESUS WASHES THE FEET OF HIS DISCIPLES. 

And when supper was done, He layeth aside 
His garments, and putteth water into a basin, and 
began to wash the feet of the disciples, and to wipe 
them with the towel wherewith He was girded. He 
cometh therefore to Simon Peter. And Peter saith to 
Him : " Lord, Thou shalt never wash my feet." Jesus 
answered him : " If I wash thee not, thou shalt have 
no part with Me." Simon Peter saith : " Lord, not 
only my feet, but also my hands and my head." Jesus 
saith to him : " He that is washed, needeth but to 
wash his feet, and is clean wholly. And you are clean, 
but not all." For He knew who he was that would 
betray Him. 

TREASON OF JUDAS. 

When Jesus had said these things, He was 
troubled in spirit, and said : " Amen, amen, I say to 
you, one of you shall betray Me." The disciples 
looked one upon another, doubting of whom He spoke. 
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His 
disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter beckoned 
to him, and said : " Who is it, of whom He speaketh ? " 
He, therefore, leaning on the breast of Jesus saith : 
u Lord, who is it ? " Jesus answered : " He it is to 
whom I shall reach bread dipped." And when He 
had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the 
son of Simon. 

What did He do after supper ? How did the disciples learn who 
was about to betray Him ? 



190 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Our merciful Lord spoke to the traitor in a 
manner which showed him that his evil intention was 
clearly understood. Satan had, however, entered into 
his heart, and rising up, he went out, it being already 
night. 



CHAPTEE LXXXV. 



OUR LORD'S DISCOURSE WITH HIS DISCIPLES. HIS PRAYER 

IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMAJ5TI. 

WHEN he therefore was gone out, Jesus said : 
" Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is 
glorified in Him. You shall seek Me, and as I said 
to the Jews : Whither I go, you cannot come. A new 
commandment I give unto you : That you love one 
another ; as I have loved you, that you also love one 
another. By this shall all men know that you are my 
disciples, if you have love one for another." 

Simon Peter saith to Him: "Lord, whither 
goest Thou ? " Jesus answered : " Whither I go, thou 
canst not follow Me now, but thou shalt follow here- 
after." Peter saith to Him : " Why cannot I follow 
Thee now ? " And the Lord said : " Simon, Simon, 
behold Satan hath desired to have thee, that he may 
sift thee as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that 
thy faith fail not ; and thou being once converted, 
confirm thy brethren." Who said to Him : " Lord, I 

What did our Lord say after Judas went out ? What did Simon 
"Peter ask, and what admonition did Jesus give him? 



HISTORY OF THE PASSION. 191 

am ready to go with Thee both into prison and to 
death." And He said: " I say to thee, Peter, the cock 
shall not crow this day, till thou deny Me thrice." 

"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe 
in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house 
there are many mansions. If not, I would have told 
you, that I go to prepare a place for you. And whither 
I go, you know, and the way you know. Thomas 
saith to Him: "Lord, we know not whither Thou 
goest ; and how can we know the way ? " 

Jesus saith to him: "I am the Way, and the 
Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father, 
but by Me. Philip saith to Him: " Lord, show us the 
Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus saith to him : 
" So long a time have I been with you, and have you 
not known Me ? Philip, he that seeth Me, seeth the 
Father also. Do you not believe, that I am in the 
Father, and the Father in Me." 

THE PRAYER IN THE GARDEN. 

Then, "when they had sung a hymn together, 
Jesus came with them into a country place which is 
called Gethsemani; and He said to His disciples: 
" Sit you here, till I go yonder and pray." And 
taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, 
He saith to them: "My soul is sorrowful even unto 
death : stay you here, and watch with Me." 

And going a little farther, He fell upon His 

When he offered to go to prison and to death, what did Jesus 
answer ? 



102 BIBLE HISTORY. 

face, saying: "My Father, if it be possible, let this 
chalice pass from Me, nevertheless not as I will, but 
as Thou wilt." And He conaeth to His disciples, and 
findetli them asleep, and He saith to Peter : " What, 
could you not watch one hour with Me ? Watch ye, 
and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The 
spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh weak." 

And He cometh again, and findeth them sleep- 
ing : for their eyes were heavy ; and He went again, 
and He prayed the third time, saying the self-same 
word. And there appeared to Him an Angel from 
heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony 
He prayed the longer ; and His sweat became as drops 
of blood trickling down upon the ground. And the 
third time He came to his disciples, saying : " The hour 
is come : behold the Son of Man shall be betrayed into 
the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go." 



CHAPTER LXXXYI. 

HISTORY OF THE PASSION. 
JESUS IS SEIZED AND BOUND. 

AND while He was yet speaking, cometh Judas 
L Iscariot, and with Him a great multitude from 
the chief priests and the scribes and the ancients. 
And he that betrayed Him had given them a sign, 

What prayer did Jesus make in the garden? Did the disciples 
watch with Him ? What did Jesus say the third time ? 



HISTORY OF THE PASSION. 193 

saying : " Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He." And 
when he was come, immediately going up to Him, he 
saith : " Hail Rabbi ! " and he kissed Him. And Jesus 
said : " Judas, dost thou betray the Son of Man with 
a kiss ? " 

Jesus therefore knowing all things that should 
come upon Him, went forth and said to them : " Whom 
seek ye ? " They answered Him : " Jesus of Nazareth." 
Jesus saith to them : "I am He." As soon therefore 
as He had said to them : " I am He," they went back- 
ward, and fell to the ground. 

Then Simon Peter, having a sword,' drew it ; and 
struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his 
right ear. Jesus said to Peter : " Put up thy sword 
into the scabbard. The chalice which my Father hath 
given Me, shall I not drink it ? Thinkest thou that I 
cannot ask my Father, and He will give Me presently 
more than twelve legions of Angels ? " And when He 
had touched his ear, He healed him. 

SCEISTES IK THE HOUSE OF ASTNAS. 

Then the band and the tribune took Jesus, and 
bound Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, 
for he was father-in-law to Caiphas, who was the high 
priest of that year. 

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did 
another disciple. And when they had kindled a fire 
in the midst of the hall, and were sitting about it, 
Peter was in the midst of them. Whom when a cer- 

Wliat occurred when our Lord was apprehended ? 



194 BIBLE HISTORY. 

tain servant-maid had seen sitting at the light, she 
said: "This man also was with Him." The maid, 
therefore, that was portress saith to Peter : " Art not 
thou also one of this Man's disciples ? " But he denied 
Him, saying : " Woman, I know Him not." 

The high priest then asked Jesus of His disciples, 
and of His doctrine. Jesus answered him: "I have 
always taught in the synagogue, and in the Temple, and 
in secret I have spoken nothing. Why askest thou 
Me ? ask them who have heard what I have spoken." 
And when He had said these things, one of the 
servants gave Jesus a blow, saying : " Answerest thou 
the high priest so ? " Jesus answered him : " If I have 
spoken evil, give testimony of the evil : but if well, 
why strikest thou Me ? " 



CHAPTER LXXXVII. 

HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONTINUED. 
THE TREATMENT OF JESUS IN THE HIGH PEIESt's HOUSE. 

AND the chief priests and all the council sought 
l for evidence against Jesus, that they might put 
Him to death, and found none. For many bore false 
witness against Him, and their evidence did not 
agree. 

And the high priest rising up in the midst, asked 

Relate the scenes in the house of Annas. How was our Lord 
treated in the house of the high priest ? 






HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONTINUED. 195 

Jesus, saying : " Answerest Thou nothing to the things 
that are laid to Thy charge by these men ? " But He 
held His peace. Again the high priest asked Him, 
and said to Him : " Art Thou the Christ, the Son of 
the blessed God ? " And Jesus said to him : u I am. 
And you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right 
hand of the power of God, and coming . with the 
clouds of heaven." Then the high priest rending 
his garments, saith : " What need we any farther wit- 
nesses ? You have heard the blasphemy. "What think 
you?' 5 But they answering said: "He is guilty of 
death." 

Then did they spit in His face, and they buffeted 
Him, and others struck His face with the palms of 
their hands, saying : " Prophesy unto us, O Christ ; 
who is he that struck Thee \ " 

PETER DENIES HIS MASTER. 

And after the space as it were of one hour, a 
certain man said, looking on Peter : " Of a truth this 
man was also with Him : for he is also a Galilean." 
They said therefore to him : "Art not thou also one 
of His disciples?" He denied it, and said: "I am 
not." One of the servants of the high priest (a kins- 
man to him whose ear Peter cut off) saith to him : 
" Did not I see thee in the garden with Him ? " And 
Peter said: "Man, I know not what thou sayest." 
And immediately as he was yet speaking, the cock 
crew. And the Lord turning, looked on Peter. And 

Relate the denial of Peter. 



196 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Peter remembered the word of the Lord, that He had 
said : u Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me 
thrice." And Peter, going out, wept bitterly. 

DESPAIR OF JUDAS. 

Then Judas, who betrayed Jesus, seeing that He 
was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the 
thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, 
saying : " I have sinned, in betraying innocent blood." 
But they said : " What is that to us ? look thou to it." 
And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, 
he departed, and went and hanged himself with an 
halter. 



CHAPTER LXXXVIIL 

HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONTINUED. 
JESUS IS BROUGHT BEFOEE PILATE. 

AS soon as it was day, they led Jesus to the 
. house of Caiphas, and from Caiphas to the 
governor's hall. And they went not into the hall, that 
they might not be defiled, but might eat the pasch. 
Pilate therefore went out to them, and said : " What 
accusation bring you against this Man?" They an- 
swered : " If He were not a malefactor, we would not 
have delivered Him up to thee." Pilate said to them : 

What did Judas do? Whore was Jesus led when it was day? 
Why did Pilate go out to the Jews? 



HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONTINUED. 197 

" Take Him you, and judge Him according to your 
law." The Jews answered : " It is not lawful for us 
to put any man to death." 

Pilate therefore called Jesus, and said to Him : 
" Art Thou the king of the Jews ?" Jesus answered : 
" Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told 
it thee of Me?" Pilate answered: "Am I a Jew f 
Thy own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered 
Thee up to me : what hast Thou done ? " Jesus 
answered: "My kingdom is not of this world. If 
my kingdom were of this world, my servants would 
certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the 
Jews ; but my kingdom is not from hence." 

Pilate therefore said to Him: "Art Thou a 
king then I " Jesus answered : " Thou sayest that I 
am a king. For this was I born, and for this came I 
into the world, that I should give testimony to the 
truth." Pilate saith to Him: "What is truth?" 
And when he said this he went again to the Jews, 
and saith to them : " I find no cause in Him." 

And when Jesus was accused by the chief priests 
and ancients, He answered nothing. Then Pilate saith 
to Him : " Dost Thou not hear how great testimonies 
they allege against Thee?" And He answered him 
never a word, so that the governor wondered ex- 
ceedingly. 

JESUS IS SENT TO HEEOD. 

But the Jews were more earnest, saying : " He 
stirreth up the people, beginning from Galilee to this 

What questions did Pilate ask? Why did Pilate wonder? 



198 BIBLE HISTORY. 

place." But Pilate asked if the Man were of Galilee. 
And when he understood that He was of Herod's 
jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was at Jeru- 
salem in those days. 

And Herod seeing Jesus, was very glad, because 
he hoped to see some sign wrought by Him. And he 
questioned Him in many words. But He answered him 
nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes stood 
by, earnestly accusing Him. And Herod with his 
army set Him at naught and mocked Him, putting on 
Him a white garment, and sent Him back to Pilate. 

THE PEOPLE CHOOSE BARABBAS. 

And as Pilate was sitting in the place of judg- 
ment, his wife sent to him, saying: "Have thou 
nothing to do with that just Man. For I have suffered 
many things this day in a dream because of Him." 

And Pilate calling together the chief priests, and 
the magistrates, and the people, said to them : " You 
have presented unto me this Man, as one that per- 
verteth the people, and behold I have examined Him 
and find no cause in Him ; no, nor Herod neither. I 
will chastise Him therefore, and release Him." Now 
of necessity he was to release unto them one upon the 
feast day. And he had then a notorious prisoner, 
that was called Barabbas. But the chief priests and 
ancients persuaded the people that they should ask 
Barabbas, and make Jesus away. 

Where did Pilate send Jesus? What passed at the court of 
Herod ? What warning did Pilate receive ? 






HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONTINUED. 199 

And the governor answering said to them: 
" Whether will you of the two to be released unto 
you?" Then cried they all again, saying: "Not this 
Man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a robber. 
Pilate saith to them : " What shall I do then with 
Jesus that is called Christ ? " They say all : " Let 
Him be crucified." The governor said to them: 
4k Why, what evil hath He done ? I find no cause of 
death in Him ; I will chastise Him therefore, and let 
llim go." 



CHAPTER LXXXIX. 

HISTORY OF THE PASSIOX CONTINUED. 
JESUS IS SCOURGED AXD CROWNED WITH THORNS. 

THEN therefore Pilate took Jesus, and scourged 
Him. Then the soldiers taking Jesus into the 
hall, gathered together unto Him the whole band : and 
stripping Him, they put a scarlet cloak about Him. 
And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon His 
head, and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the 
knee before Him, they mocked Him saying : " Hail, 
King of the Jews." And spitting upon Him, they 
took the reed, and struck His head. 

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith to 
the people : " Behold I bring Him forth unto you, that 

What was Pilate obliged to do? What did he propose to the 
people ? What did Jesus suffer ? 



200 BIBLE HISTORY. 

you may know that I find no cause in Him." Jesus 
therefore came forth bearing the crown of thorns, and 
the purple garment. And he saith to them : " Behold 
the Man." When the chief priests and the servants 
had seen Him, they cried out, saying : " Crucify Him, 
cruciiy Him." Pilate saith to them : " Take Him 
you, and crucify Him ; for I find no cause in Him." 

The Jews answered him : "We have a law: and 
according to that law He ought to die, because He 
made Himself the Son of God." 

PILATE YIELDS TO THE JEWS AND DELIVERS JESUS TO 

BE CRUCIFIED. 

When Pilate therefore had heard this saying, he 
feared the more. And he entered into the hall again ; 
and he said to Jesus : " Whence art Thou ? " But 
Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore saith to 
Him : " Speakest Thou not to me ? knowest Thou not 
that I have power to crucify Thee, and I have power 
to release Thee ? " Jesus answered : u Thou shouldst 
not have any power against Me unless it were given 
thee from above. Therefore he that delivered Me to 
thee, hath the greater sin." 

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release 
Him. But the Jews cried out, saying: "If thou 
release this Man thou art not Coesar's friend. For 
whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against 
Caesar." Now when Pilate had heard these words, he 

How was He presented to the people? What did they cry out? 
What passed when Pilate entered the judgment hall? 



HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONCLUDED. 201 

brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment 
seat. And it was about the sixth hour, and he saith 
to the Jews : " Behold your king ! " But they cried 
out : " Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him.'' 
Pilate saith to them ^ " Shall I crucify your king ? " 
The chief priests answered : " We have no king but 
Csesar ; " and they cried out the more, saying : " Let 
Him be crucified." 

Then Pilate, seeing that he prevailed nothing, 
but that rather a tumult was made, taking water 
washed his hands before the people, saying: "I am 
innocent of the blood of this just Man ; look you to it." 
And the whole people answering, said : " His blood be 
upon us and upon our children." Then he released to 
them Barabbas, and delivered Jesus unto them to be 
crucified. 



CHAPTEE XC. 

HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONCLUDED. 
THE CRUCIFIXION. 

AND after they had mocked Jesus, they took off 
l the purple cloak, and put His own garments on 
Him, and they led Him out to crucify Him. And 
bearing His own cross, He went forth to that place 

By what means did the Jews obtain the sentence they desired ? 
What ceremony did Pilate use, and what did the people answer? 
What was done after they had mocked our Lord ? 



202 BIBLE Ins a Ox, x. 

which is called Calvary, and they forced one Simon, a 
Cyrenian, who passed by, to take up His cross. 

And there followed Him a great multitude of 
people, and of women, who bewailed and lamented 
Him. But Jesus turning to thpm said : " Daughters 
of Jerusalem, weep not over Me, but weep for your- 
selves, and for your children. For if such things be 
done in the green wood, what shall be done in the 
dry?" 

And they bring Him into the place called Calvary. 
And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh ; 
but He took it not. And it was the third hour, and 
they crucified Him. And with Him they crucify two 
thieves, the one on His right hand and the other on 
His left. 

And Jesus said : " Father, forgive them, for they 
know not what they do." 

THE TITLE ON THE CROSS. 

And Pilate wrote a title also: and he put it 
upon the cross. And the writing was : Jesus of 
Nazareth the Kijstg of the Jews. This title there- 
fore many of the Jews did read, and it was written 
in Hebrew, in Greek, and in Latin. Then the chief 
priest said to Pilate : " Write not, the king of the 
Jews ; but that He said : I am the king of the 
Jews." Pilate answered: "What I have written, I 
have written." 

Who followed Him ? What was done at Calvary ? What was 
the title on the Cross ? 






HISTORY OF THE PASSION CONCLUDED. 203 



JESUS IS MOCKED AND BLASPHEMED. 

And they that passed by, blasphemed Him, 
wagging their heads, and saying : " If Thou be the 
Son of God, come down from the cross." In like 
manner also the chief priests with the scribes and 
ancients mocking, said : " He saved others, himself 
He cannot save." And the soldiers also mocked Him, 
coining to Him and offering Him vinegar, and say- 
ing : " If Thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself." 

THE PENITENT THIEF. 

The thieves also who were crucified with Him 
reviled Him. But as one of those robbers who were 
hanged, blasphemed Him, saying : "If Thou be Christ, 
save Thyself, and us," the other answering, rebuked 
him, saying: "Neither dost thou fear God, seeing 
thou art under the same condemnation. And we 
indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our 
deeds ; but this Man hath done no evil." And he 
said to Jesus: "Lord, remember me when Thou shalt 
come into Thy kingdom." And Jesus said to him : 
" Amen, I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with Me 
in Paradise." 

JESUS COMMENDS HIS MOTHER TO THE BELOVED DISCIPLE. 

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, His 
mother, and His mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, 

What is said of those who passed by ? What is related of the 
thieves who were crucified ? 



204 BIBLE HISTORY. 

and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus, therefore, had 
seen His mother and the disciple whom He loved, He 
saith to His mother: "Woman, behold Thy Son." 
After that, He saitli to the disciple : " Behold thy 
mother." And from that hour the disciple took her 
to his own. 

JESUS EXPIRES ON THE CROSS. 

And when the sixth hour was come, there was 
darkness over the whole earth until the ninth hour. 
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud 
voice, saying: "My God, my God, why hast Thou 
forsaken Me?" Afterwards Jesus, knowing that all 
things were now accomplished, that the scripture 
might be fulfilled, said : " I thirst." Now there was 
a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they, putting 
a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His 
mouth. And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said: 
" Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." And 
saying this, He gave up the ghost. 

THE SIGNS WHICH FOLLOWED. 

And behold the veil of the Temple, was rent in 
two from the top even to the bottom, and the earth 
quaked, and the rocks were rent. And the graves 
were opened ; and many bodies of the saints that had 
slept arose ; and coming out of the tombs after His 

What did our Lord spy to St. John and to His Blessed Mother? 
What is related of the death of our divine Lord? Relate the signs 
which followed. 




PQ 



JESUS TAKEN FROM THE CROSS. 205 

resurrection, came into the holy city and appeared to 
many. And the centurion who stood over against 
Him, seeing that crying out in this manner, He had 
given up the ghost, said: " Indeed this Man was the 
Son of God." And all the multitude of them that 
were come together to that sight, and saw the things 
that were done, returned striking their breasts. 



CHAPTEE XCI. 

JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS AND LAID IN 

THE TOMB. 

THEN the Jews, that the bodies might not 
remain upon the cross on the Sabbath, besought 
Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they 
might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came ; 
and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other 
that was crucified with Him. But after they were 
come to Jesus, when they saw that He was already 
dead, they did not break His legs; but one of the 
soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately 
there came out blood and w r ater. 

Then Joseph of Arimathea. a noble counsellor, 
went in boldly to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 
But Pilate wondered that He should be already dead. 
And when he had understood it by the centurion, he 

What did the Jews beseech of Pilate ? What occurred when 
the soldiers came ? 



206 BIBLE HISTORY. 



gave the body to Joseph. And Nicodemus also came, 
bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an 
hundred pounds. They took therefore the body of 
Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as 
is the manner of the Jews. 

Now there was in the place where He was cruci- 
fied, a garden ; and a new sepulchre, wherein no man 
yet had been laid. There they laid Jesus, because the 
sepulchre was nigh at hand. And they rolled a great 
stone to the door. 

And the women that were come with Him from 
Galilee, returning, prepared spices and ointments ; and 
they rested on the Sabbath day. 

THE CHIEF PRIESTS SET GUARDS BEFORE THE SEPULCHRE. 

Almighty God permitted that the malice of the 
Jews should be the means of providing witnesses for 
the great miracle of the resurrection. The chief priests 
going to Pilate said : " Sir, we have remembered, that 
seducer said, while He w r as yet alive: ' After three 
days I will rise again.' Command therefore the sep- 
ulchre to be guarded until the third day; lest perhaps 
his disciples steal Him away, and say to the people : 
He is risen from the dead." Pilate said : " You 
have a guard : go, guard it as you know." And they 
made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone and setting 
guards. 

What is related of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus ? 
Where was the body of our Lord laid? What did the women do? 
What precaution was taken by the chief priests? 



THE RESURRECTION. 207 



THE RESURRECTION. 

And behold on the morning of the third day, 
there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the 
Lord descended from heaven, and coming, rolled back 
the stone and sat upon it. And his countenance was 
as lightning, and his raiment as snow. And for fear 
of him, the guards were struck with terror, and became 
as dead men. 

Mary Magdalen and the other women coming 
early, that they might embalm the body of Jesus, 
were amazed to find that the guards had departed, 
and that the stone was rolled back. And going to 
the tomb, they did not find the body of the Lord. 
Then two angels stood by them, and said: "Why 
seek you the living with the dead ; He is not here, but 
is risen." 

Mary Magdalen hastened to communicate the 
glad tidings, and Peter and John coming found all 
things as she had said. Mary, who had returned, still 
doubted, lest perhaps the body of our Lord had been 
only removed, but Jesus appeared to her in the garden. 
She did not know Him at first, but when He said to 
her u Mary," she exclaimed " Rabboni ! " and would 
have embraced his feet. But Jesus saith to her: u Do 
not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father; 
but go to my brethren, and say to them : I ascend to 

What took place while the guards were watching ? Who came 
early in the morning? What did the women see ? Who next vis- 
ited the tomb? What took place when Mary Magdalen returned ? 



208 BIBLE HISTORY. 

my Father, and to your Father, to my God and to 
your God." 

And behold, some of the guards came into the 
city, and told the chief priests all things that had been 
done* And they, taking counsel, gave a great sum of 
money to the soldiers, saying : " Say you : His dis- 
ciples came by night, and stole Him away when we 
were asleep." So they, taking the money, did as they 
w r ere taught. 



CHAPTER XOIL 

JESITS APPEALS AT DIFFERENT TIMES TO HIS DISCIPLES. 

THE ASCENSION. 

AND Jesus appeared the same day that He had 
il risen, to two disciples who were going to Em- 
maus and discoursing of His death and passion. And 
when they came to Emmaus, Pie rested with them. 
And it came to pass, whilst He was at table with 
them, He took bread, and blessed and gave to them. 
And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him in the 
breaking of bread, and He vanished out of their sight. 
Now when it was late that same day, and the 
doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered to- 
gether, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to 
them : " Peace be to you." And when He had said 
this, He showed them His hands, and His side. And 

To whom did Jesus appear on the same day? Relate the ap- 
parition of Jesus to His disciples. 



JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES. 209 

the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. He 
said to them again : " Peace be to you. As the Father 
hath sent Me, I also send you." When He had said 
this, He breathed on them ; and He said to them : 
" Receive ye the Holy Ghost : Whose sins you shall 
forgive, they are forgiven them ; and whose sins yoil 
shall retain, they are retained." 

Now Thomas was not present when Jesus ap- 
peared in this manner, and he refused to believe the 
report of the disciples, saying : " Except I shall see in 
His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger 
into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His 
side, I will not believe." 

And after eight days, Jesus came, the doors 
being shut, and stood in the midst, and said : " Peace 
be to you." Then He saith to Thomas : " Put in thy 
finger hither, and see my hands, and bring hither thy 
hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, 
but believing." Thomas answered, and said to Him : 
" My Lord, and my God." Jesus saith to Him : " Be- 
cause thou hast se^n Me, Thomas, thou hast believed: 
blessed are they that have not seen ) and have believed" 

Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at 
the Sea of Tiberias, where they were fishing. When 
they had taken a great multitude of fishes they came to 
land, and when they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon 
Peter: "Simon son of John, lovest thou Me more 
than these ? " He saith to Him : " Yea Lord : Thou 

Who was absent ? In what manner was he convinced of the 
truth ? How did Jesus show himself by the Sea of Tiberias ? 



210 BIBLE HISTORY. 

knowest that I love Thee." He saith to him : " Feed 
my lambs." He saith to him again: "Simon son of 
John, lovest thou Me % " He saith to Him : " Yea Lord, 
Thou knowest that I love Thee." He saith to him : 
" Feed my lambs." He said to him the third time : 
"Simon son of John, lovest thou Me?" Peter was 
grieved. And he said to Him : " Lord, Thou knowest 
all things : Thou knowest that I love Thee." He said 
to him : "Feed my sheep." 

Our Lord appeared many times to His disciples, 
but on the fortieth day after His resurrection, He led 
them to the Mount of Olives, and spoke to them, say- 
ing : " All power is given Me in heaven and on earth. 
Going, therefore, teach ye all nations, baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost. And behold, I am with you all days, 
even to the consummation of the world." 

And when Jesus had said these words, while they 
looked on, He was raised up, and a cloud received Him 
out of their sight. 

And behold two men stood by them in w T hite 
garments, who said : " Ye men of Galilee, why stand 
you looking up to heaven ? This Jesus, who is taken 
up from you ; so shall He come as you have seen Him 
going into heaven." 

And they adoring, went back to Jerusalem with 
great joy. 

What did he say to Simon Peter, and what commission did He 
give him ? What did Jesus say to His disciples on the Mount of 
Olives ? What great event followed ? 



y 




ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



CHAPTER XCIII. 

TIIE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST. FIRST SERMON OF 

ST. PETER. CURE OF THE LAME MAX. DEATH 

OF ANANIAS AND SAPHIRA. 

AFTER the Ascension of our Lord, the Apostles 
l returned to Jerusalem to await the coming of 
the Holy Ghost. The eleven assembled in an upper 
room, where they were persevering in prayer with the 
women, and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and His 
brethren. The number of persons present was about 
one hundred and twenty. 

Then, by the counsel of Peter, lots were cast and 
Mathias was chosen to replace Judas in the apostle- 
ship. 

And when the days of the Pentecost were ac- 
complished, suddenly there came a sound from heaven, 
as of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house 
where they were sitting. And there appeared to them 
parted tongues, as it were of fire, that rested upon 

What did the Apostles do after the Ascension when the days of 
Pentecost were accomplished ? 



212 BIBLE HISTORY. 

every one of them. And they were all filled with the 
Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers 
tongues according as the Holy Ghost gave them to 
speak. 

The report of this wonder spread through Jeru- 
salem, and a great multitude assembled. There were 
in Jerusalem strangers of every country both Jews 
and Gentiles, and when the apostles preached each 
one present seemed to hear his own native tongue. 

While they were filled with wonder at this 
miracle, Peter rising up, preached to all the people, 
declaring that Jesus whom they had crucified, was the 
Christ, the Son of God. And they, hearing him, had 
compunction in their hearts, and they said : " What 
shall we do, men and brethren ? " But Peter said to 
them : " Do penance and be baptized, every one of 
you, for the remission of your sins." 

They therefore that received the word, were 
baptized ; and there were added to them in that day 
about three thousand souls. 

Shortly after this, Peter cured a lame man who 
sat at the gate of the Temple, begging. This miracle 
excited the people, and the priests sending for Peter 
and John questioned them. They were afraid, how- 
ever, to punish the Apostles, the man who was cured 
being present ; so they dismissed them, charging them 
to teach no more in the name of Jesus. Peter and 

Who were then in Jerusalem, and why did they wonder ? Why 
were St. Peter and St. John arrested ? Why did the council fear 
to punish them ? 



'DEATH OF ANANIAS AND SAP1IFRA. 213 

John answered : " If it be right to hear you rather 
than God, judge ye." 

And the multitude of the believers had but one 
heart and one soul, and many who were owners of 
lands or houses, sold them and brought the price to 
the Apostles, and distribution was made to those who 
had need." 

A certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his 
w T ife, sold a field, and Ananias brought a part of the 
price to the Apostles, pretending that it was all that 
he had received. Peter reproved him for the deceit, 
and said : " Thou hast not lied to men but to God." 
And immediately Ananias fell dead at his feet. Three 
hours later, Saphira came, not knowing what had oc- 
curred, and repeated the falsehood. She died in the 
same manner, and was carried out and buried with her 
husband. And there came great fear upon the whole 
church. 



CHAPTEE XCIV. 

MIRACLES WROUGHT BY THE APOSTLES. THEY ARE 

BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL AND SCOURGED. 

MARTYRDOM OF ST. STEPHEN. 



THE Apostles continued to work miracles, so 
that the infirm were brought from all the neigh- 
boring cities to Jerusalem, and were healed. They 



What is said of the multitude of believers? What is told of 
Ananias and Saphira? 



214 BIBLE HISTORY. 

even carried the sick into the streets, on couches, so 
that when Peter passed, his shadow at least might fall 
upon them. 

The high priests and Sadducees were incensed at 
these things, and they had the Apostles thrown into 
prison. But an angel opened the prison doors by 
night and they were found the next morning teaching 
in the Temple. The priests brought the Apostles 
again before the council, where they were publicly 
scourged. They went forth rejoicing that they were 
accounted worthy to suffer something for the name of 
Jesus. 

Among the deacons who were ordained to assist 
in the distribution of alms was Stephen, a man full of 
faith and the Holy Ghost. His zeal and the miracles 
which he wrought caused him also to be brought before 
the council. False witnesses appeared who accused 
him of speaking blasphemy against Moses, and against 
God. 

Stephen replied in a sublime discourse, and as he 
declared that they had slain the Just One whom the 
prophets had foretold, the people gnashed their teeth 
with rage. But Stephen looking up saw a glorious 
vision, and he cried : " Behold I see the heavens 
opened, and the Son of man standing on the right 
hand of God." 

What is said of the miracles wrought by St. Peter and the 
Apostles? What occurred when St. Peter and St. John were 
thrown into prison? What passed when they were brought before 
the council? What is £.aid of Stephen ? How did Stephen answer 
his accusers? 



THE SAMARITANS RECEIVE THE GOSPEL. 215 

Then the people stopped their ears, and with one 
accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth 
without the city they stoned him ; and the witnesses 
laid down their garments at the feet of a young man 
whose name was Saul. And falling on his knees, 
Stephen cried with a loud voice, saying : " Lord, lay 
not this sin to their charge." And when he had said 
this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was con- 
senting to his death. And Saul made havoc of the 
church, entering from house to house, and dragging 
away men and women to prison. 



CHAPTER XCV. 

THE SAMARITANS RECEIVE THE GOSPEL. CONVERSION OF 

SAUL. HEROD PUTS ST. JAMES TO DEATH. 

ST. PETER DELIVERED FROM PRISON. 

PETER and John were sent to Samaria that they 
might impose hands upon those whom Philip the 
deacon had baptized. There was among the converts 
in that city, one Simon a magician, who had deluded 
many people by his sorceries. When Simon saw that 
by the imposition of hands the Holy Ghost was re- 
ceived, and that this grace was often accompanied by 
the gift of miracles, he offered money to the Apostles, 
that they might impart to him the same power. But 

Relate Stephen's martyrdom. Relate the conversion of the 
eunuch. 



216 BIBLE HISTORY. 

Peter said to him : " May thy money perish with thee, 
because thou hast esteemed the gift of God to be 
purchased with money." 

Not content with persecuting the faithful in 
Jerusalem, Saul obtained authority to go to Damascus 
that he might cast into prison the believers in that 
city. 

And as he drew nigh to Damascus suddenly a 
light from heaven sinned round about him. And tail- 
ing on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him : 
"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Who said: 
"Who art Thou, Lord?" And He: "I am Jesus 
whom thou persecutest." And he trembling, and 
astonished, said : " Lord, what wilt thou have me to 
do ? " And the Lord said to him : " Arise, and go 
into the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou 
must do." And Saul arose from the ground, and when 
his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they, 
leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus. 

There was at this time in Damascus, a devout 
man named Ananias, to whom God spoke in a vision 
sending him to Saul to comfort him and to restore his 
sight. 

When Saul had been baptized, he was filled 
with the most ardent zeal, so that he went about 
preaching Jesus in all the synagogues. At Jerusalem, 
the brethren were at first unwilling to receive him, 

Why did Saul go to Damascus ? What took place on the way ? 
What is said of Ananias? What did Saul do after he had been 
baptized ? 



ST. PETER DELIVERED FROM PRISON. 217 

knowing him only as a persecutor. The Jews, on the 
other hand, laid plots to take Ins life ; but he escaped 
from the city by night, being let down in a basket 
from the wall. 

Peter, meanwhile, went through different coun- 
tries preaching, and working miracles. At Lydda, he 
raised to life a certain holy woman named Tabitha or 
Dorcas, who had been distinguished for her charity, 
making garments for the poor. 

At this time Peter was warned in a vision that 
there was to be no more distinction between Jew and 
Gentile, but that the Gospel was to be preached to all. 
Many at Antioch received the faith, and in this city the 
disciples were first called Christians. 

And now king Herod caused James the brother 
of John to be put to death, and Peter he shut up in 
prison. He was delivered by an angel who opened 
the prison doors and led him to the city gate which of 
itself opened to them. A few days later, Herod was 
struck by God and died miserably, his flesh being con- 
sumed by worms. 

What is said of Peter ? What was St. Peter taught in a vision ? 
Why did the Jews murmur? Where were the disciples first called 
Christians ? Whom did Herod put to death ? Whom did he im- 
prison ? How did Herod die ? 



10 



218 BIBLE HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XCVI. 

PAUL AND BARNABAS ARE ORDAINED TO PREACH THE 
GOSPEL. — PAUL IS STONED. — DISPUTES REGARD- 
ING CIRCUMCISION. PAUL AND SILAS IN 

PRISON. PAUL AT ATHENS. 

THE Apostles imposed hands on Saul, now 
called Paul, and Barnabas, that they might 
partake in their missionary labors. They preached 
with much fruit, working many miracles. At Lystra, 
the people were struck with astonishment at these 
wonders, and they cried out : " The gods are come 
down to us in the likeness of men." And they called 
Barnabas, Jupiter ; but Paul, Mercury ; because he 
was chief speaker. The priest also of Jupiter, bring- 
ing oxen and garlands, would have offered sacrifice 
with the people. 

The Apostles seeing this, rent their garments, and 
reproached them for their superstition ; but with all 
they could say, the people were scarcely restrained from 
offering them sacrifice. 

Certain Jews succeeded later in stirring up the 
people, so that they stoned Paul, and left him for dead 
outside the city gate. But as the disciples stood round 
about him, he rose up, restored and full of life. 

On whom did the Apostles impose hands ? What took place 
at Lystra? 



DISPUTES REGARDING CIRCUMCISION. 219 

Warm disputes arose in Antioch regarding cir- 
cumcision and other points of the Mosaic law. Some 
considered them to be obligatory on the Gentile con- 
verts, while Paul and Barnabas were of the contrary 
opinion. As St. Peter and several other Apostles were 
at Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas repaired thither, and 
the question was discussed in an assembly generally 
known as the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem. St. 
Peter presided, and when all had expressed their 
opinion, the decision was given in a letter containing 
these words : " It hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost 
and to us, to lay no farther burden upon you than 
these necessary things : that you abstain from things 
sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things 
strangled, and from fornication. The prohibition con- 
cerning blood and things strangled was a temporary dis- 
cipline enforced through a consideration for the Jews. 

At Philippi, the Roman magistrates caused Paul 
and Silas to be severely scourged, after which they were 
thrust into a dungeon and their feet were made fast 
in the stocks. The Apostles rejoiced in their sufferings, 
and at midnight their hymns of praise were heard by 
all who were in the prison. And suddenly there was 
a great earthquake, and all the doors were opened. 
And the keeper of the prison, drawing his sword, 
would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners 

What question was referred to the Apostles at Jerusalem ? What 
decision did they give ? What prohibition was temporary ? At 
Philippi, what did the magistrates do? What took place at mid- 
night ? What is related of the jailer ? 



220 BIBLE HISTORY. 

had fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying : 
" Do thyself no harm, for we are all here." 

Then the keeper went in, and trembling fell down 
at the feet of Paul and Silas. And bringing them out, 
he said : " Masters, what must I do, that I may be 
saved i " But they said : " Believe in the Lord Jesus, and 
thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And he taking 
them the same hour of the night, washed their stripes; 
and he was immediately baptized with all his house. 

When it was day the magistrates sent to release 
the prisoners. But Paul said : " After having whipped 
us publicly, men that are Bomans, and uncondemned, 
do they now thrust us out privately? Not so ; but let 
them come." The magistrates hearing that they were 
Roman citizens, w^ere afraid ; and coming to the prison, 
dismissed them honorably. 

At Athens, Paul disputed with the philosophers 
and preached publicly in the Areopagus. Having re- 
marked an altar on which was written : " To the Un- 
known God" he said : " Whom therefore you worship 
without knowing, Him I preach to you: God who 
made the world and all things therein. For in Him 
we live and we move and we are ; as some also of your 
own poets said : For we are also His offspring." When 
Paul had spoken these and other words, declaring the 
resurrection of Christ, some mocked ; but others said : 
" We will hear thee again concerning this matter." 

What did St. Paul reply to the magistrates ? What is said of 
the Athenians? What did St. Paul say in the Areopagus ? How 
was his discourse received ? 



PAUL AT EPHESUS. 221 



CHAPTER XCVII. 

PAUL AT EPHESUS. SEDITION OF THE SILVEESMITHS. 

PAUL GOES UP TO JERUSALEM. A PERSECU- 
TION IS RAISED AGAINST HIM. 

AFTER Paul founded the Church of Corinth, he 
>. preached the word of God at Ephesus, first in 
the synagogues of the Jews, and when he found them 
hardened and unbelieving, he labored among the 
Gentiles. And God wrought by the hand of Paul 
more than common miracles ; so that even there were 
brought from his body to the sick, handkerchiefs and 
aprons; and the diseases departed, and the wicked 
spirits went out of them. 

And many who believed, came confessing and 
declaring their deeds. And many of those who had 
followed magical arts, brought together their books 
and burnt them before all ; and counting the price 
they found the money to be fifty thousand pieces of 
silver. 

Ephesus was devoted to the worship of Diana, 
and her temple in that city was accounted one of the 
seven wonders of the world. Demetrius a silversmith 
employed a great number of workmen in making silver 
shrines and images of the goddess, which were a source 

What is said of St. Paul's miracles? What of the books of 
magic ? 



222 BIBLE HISTORY. 

of considerable profit. As he saw the new doctrine 
making progress, he called together all the silversmiths 
of the city, and persuaded them to excite a tumult 
against Paul and his companions. The people as- 
sembled in the great theatre, and when the magistrates 
entered they all cried with one voice : " Great is Diana 
of the Ephesians." They continued this shout, so that 
nothing could be heard, and it was only at the end of 
two hours that the town clerk obtained silence, and 
succeeded in appeasing the tumult. 

After two years spent in Asia, Paul passed 
through Macedonia and Greece, preaching everywhere 
the word of God. 

At Jerusalem Paul was exposed to great danger 
from the enmity of the Jews, and the Roman tribune, 
coming with a band of soldiers, rescued him from their 
hands. Imagining that he must have committed some 
crime, the tribune ordered Paul to be scourged to make 
him confess. The Apostle claimed his privilege as a 
Roman citizen, and immediately they departed that 
were about to torture him. The tribune also was 
afraid after he understood that he was a Roman citizen, 
and because he had bound him. 

The excitement amongst the people continued, and 
more than forty young men bound themselves under 
an oath that they would neither eat nor drink until 
they had killed Paul. The tribune sent him therefore 

Relate the sedition of the silversmiths. What took place in the 
theatre? Where was St. Paul exposed to great danger? What 
was the tribune about to do ? What rights, did St. Paul claim ? 



PAUL IN PRISON. 223 

under a guard of soldiers, to Csesarea to Felix the 
governor. The latter being curious concerning the 
new teaching, called for Paul, and heard from him the 
doctrine of Christ. And as he treated of justice, and 
chastity, and of the judgment to come, Felix being 
terrified, answered: " For this time go thy way ; but 
when I have a convenient time I will send for thee." 

Felix kept Paul in prison two years, and when 
Festus the new governor came, the Jews begged that 
he might be brought to punishment. Then Paul, 
knowing that it was the will of God that he should go 
to Rome, appealed to Caesar. 

King Agrippa and Berenice his wife came to 
Csesarea in those days. And hearing of Paul, they 
expressed a desire to hear him speak. The next day 
Agrippa and Berenice came into the hall of audience, 
where were assembled all the chief men of the city, and 
Paul was brought before them. 

The Apostle took advantage of the opportunity 
thus afforded, to preach to all present, proving from 
the miracles which had been wrought, and the writ- 
ings of the prophets, that Jesus was the promised 
Messias. And Agrippa said to Paul : "In a little 
thou persuadedst me to become a Christian." And 
Paul said : u I would to God, that both in a little and 
in much, not only thou, but also all that hear me this 
day, should become such as I also am, except these 

Why did the tribune send St. Paul to Csesarea ? What passed 
when St. Paul discoursed to Felix? What occurred when an 
audience was granted before Agrippa ? What did Agrippa say ? 



224 BIBLE HISTORY. 

bands." And Agrippa said to Festus: "This man 
might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed 
to Caesar." 

Soon after these events, Paul was sent to Kome 
with other prisoners. They were shipwrecked on the 
coast of Mileta (Malta), and after remaining there some 
months, they sailed again for Kome. When they drew 
near the city, the brethren, who had heard of their 
arrival, came out to meet them as far as Appii Forum 
and the Three Taverns ; whom when Paul saw, he 
gave thanks to God. 

In Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself 
with a soldier to guard him. And he remained two 
years in his own hired lodging, receiving all, both Jew 
and Gentile, and preaching without fear or hindrance. 
Many were won by his word to believe : and among 
those who embraced the faith, were some of the house- 
hold of Caesar. , 

Where was St. Paul sent ? What is said of the voyage ? What 
was permitted to hiin in Koine ? How long did he remain living 
in this jr^.rmer? 



SUMMAEY OF THE PEINOIPAL EVENTS IN 
THE HISTORY OF THE CHUKCH. 



FIKST CENTUKY. 

PREACHING AND DEATH OF THE APOSTLES. 

WE find in the Acts, a partial account of the earlier 
labors of St. Peter and St. Paul, particularly of the latter. 
For the closing events of their lives, and the labors and martyr- 
dom of the other Apostles, we depend principally on tradition. 

St. James the Greater, the son of Zebedee, was, as we 
have seen, beheaded at Jerusalem, by the order of Herod 
Agrippa, about the year 43. 

St. James the Less, son of Alpheus, also surnamed the 
Just, was Bishop of Jerusalem. The Jews were extremely irri- 
tated at the escape of St. Paul 7 and when an opportunity oc- 
curred for renewing the persecution, St. James was marked as 
the first victim. He was thrown from the battlements of the 
Temple. St. James has left us an Epistle, which is styled 
Catholic, as it is not addressed to any particular church, but to 
the faithful in general. In this he teaches the necessity and 
efficacy of prayer, and shows that faith is not sufficient for sal- 
vation without good works. 

St. Peter and St. -Paul suffered martyrdom in the first 
persecution under Nero. St. Peter had fixed his See at Antioch, 
of which city he was first Bishop. After remaining there nearly 

What do we find in the Acts ? What do you say of St. James 
the Greater ? When did St. Peter and St. Paul suffer martyrdom ? 



226 CHURCH HISTOEY. 

seven years, he went to Eome, where, in conformity with the 
designs of God, he established the future residence of the Vicars 
of Christ. The pontificate of St. Peter extended over a period 
of thirty-three years, of which twenty-five were passed in Rome. 

It is §aicl til at the conversion of one of Nero's favorites 
drew upon the Apostle the anger of that tyrant. He was arrested, 
and committed to the Mamertine prison, at the foot of the Capi- 
tol. After being detained there for about nine months, he was 
condemned to death, together with St. Paul. St. Peter had the 
honor of following bis Divine Master in the manner of his death. 
He was first scourged, and then crucified with his head down- 
wards, on Mount Janiculum, June 29, a. d. 67. He was buried 
on the Aurelian Way, on the spot now crowned by the Palace 
of the Vatican and the Church of St. Peter. 

St. Peter left two Epistles. 

On tlie same day on which St. Peter was crucified, St. 
Paul, being a Roman citizen, was beheaded near the.Fulvian 
waters, a short distance from the Basilica, entitled : " St. Paul 
Outside the Walls." 

St. Paul lias leflt fourteen Epistles; some addressed to 
different churches, others to his fellow-laborers in the apostolate. 

St. Andrew was crucified at Patra, in Achaia. 

St. Thomas preached the Gospel in India. He is said to 
have suffered martyrdom at Meliapor, on the coast of Coro- 
mandel. 

St. Philip the Apostle was crucified at Hieropolis, in 
Phrygia. 

St. Bartholomew, after preaching the Gospel in India 
and Persia, was flayed alive, and then crucified, at Albanus, in 
Greater Armenia. 

St. Matthew suffered martyrdom at Nadabar, a city in 

What is said of St. Peter's pontificate? How and where did he 
die ? What happened the same day ? What writings did St. Paul 
leave? Where and how did St. Andrew die? W r hat is said of 
St. Thomas? of St. Philip? of St. Bartholomew? of St. Matthew? 



PREACHING AND DEATH OF THE APOSTLES. 227 

Parthia, after having preached among the Ethiopians, Persians, 
and Medes. He wrote the first Gospel about six years after our 
Lord's ascension. 

St. Simosi is said to have been crucified in Persia, at the 
instigation of some idolatrous priests. 

St. Jude was tied to a cross, and shot to death with arrows 
on Ararat, in Armenia. He has left one epistle. 

St. Matthias is said to have received the crown of martyr- 
dom in Colchis, where he was stoned by the barbarians, and 
then beheaded. 

St. John, after having founded several churches in Asia 
Minor, was brought to Rome by the order of Domitian. Here 
he was condemned to be cast into a caldron of boiling oil. This 
sentence was executed outside of the Latin Gate, but the power 
of God was made manifest, and he came forth from the boiling 
caldron more fresh and vigorous than before. The Pagans at- 
tributed the escape of the Saint to magic, and considered it use- 
less to make any farther attempt upon his life. He was banished 
to Patmos, where he was favored with prophetic visions, many 
of which he has related in his Apocalypse. After the death of 
Domitian, A. d. 96, St. John returned to Ephesus, where he died 
at an extreme old age. 

The Fourth €rOspel was written at the solicitation of the 
Bishops of Asia. Disputes had risen, particularly among the 
Jewish converts, some of whom denied the divinity of Jesus 
Christ, and maintained the necessity of observing the ceremonies 
of the Mosaic law. In order to silence these, and to supply 
certain details of the life of our Lord which were omitted by the 
other Evangelists, St. John wrote his Gospel. He left also three 
Epistles. 

St. Mark, the Evangelist, was the disciple and interpreter 
of St. Peter. He wrote his Gospel at Rome, about ten years 

What is said of St. Simon ? St. Jude ? St. Matthias ? What is 
related of St. John ? Why was the Fourth Gospel written ? What 
is said of St. Mark ? 



228 CHURCH HISTORY. 

after our Lord's ascension. It was approved by St. Peter, and 
with his authority published to the church. 

St. Luke, a native of Antioch and a physician by profession, 
was converted by St. Paul, and became his disciple, and the 
companion of his labors. He wrote his Gospel about twenty 
years after the ascension of our Lord. The Acts of the Apostles 
were written by this Evangelist. 

GENERAL PERSECUTIONS. 

The first general persecution took place under Nero. 
The most illustrious victims were, as we have seen, St. Peter 
and St. Paul. 

The greater part of Rome was consumed by fire, and 
the work of destruction was generally attributed to Nero. He 
endeavored to clear himself by accusing the Christians; vast 
numbers were arrested and put to death amid shocking tor- 
ments. 

The second general persecution took place under 
Domitian. The most illustrious martyr was Flavius Clemens, 
a senator of high position and cousin of the emperor. Of St. 
John the Evangelist we have already spoken. 

DESTRUCTION OP JERUSALEM. 

This guilty city was spared for a time as the cradle of the 
infant Church, and as containing the witnesses of the public 
life and miracles of our Lord. The truth of these events was 
now established, and it was necessary that the judgments 
denounced against both city and Temple should be fulfilled 
before the generation which had mocked at the words of our 
Lord had passed away. 

What is said of St. Luke? What do you say of the first general 
persecution ? Of the second ? Why was Jerusalem spared for a 
time? 



PERSECUTIONS. 229 

The Jews rebelled against the Romans, and after a war 
of some years, Jerusalem was invested by Titus, son of the em- 
peror Vespasian. 

The siege began at the feast of the Passover, when the 
city was crowded by those who came up to keep the solemnity. 
There was no provision made for feeding this vast multitude, 
and they soon began to suffer the last extremity of famine. The 
heaps of unburied dead produced a frightful pestilence, and to 
crown their miseries, the unhappy Jews, divided into factions, 
fought more fiercely among themselves than against the com- 
mon enemy. Before the city was taken, July 5, 70 A. d., 
1,100,000 of the inhabitants had perished. 

Titus wished to preserve the Temple, but a soldier threw 
a firebrand into the sanctuary and in a few hours the whole 
summit of Mount Moriah was wrapped in sheets of flame. 

This great and terrible judgment had been preceded by 
miraculous signs to which the Jews gave no heed. The Chris- 
tians, warned by St. Simon, bishop of Jerusalem, left the city 
before the siege. They afterwards returned to dwell among the 
desolate ruins. 



SECOND OENTUKY. 

PERSECUTIONS. 



THE third general persecution took place under the 
emperor Trajan. The most illustrious martyr was St. 
Ignatius. He was sent to Rome, and there exposed to the wild 
beasts. The holy bishop wrote several epistles on his way ; in 
one of these he speaks clearly regarding the real presence of our 

Relate the miseries of the siege. What occurred regarding the 
Temple ? What did the Christians do ? Who were the most illus- 
trious martyrs of the third persecution? 



230 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Lord in the holy sacrament of the Eucharist. There is an ancient 
tradition that St. Ignatius was the child whom our Lord placed 
in the midst of his disciples. 

The fourth general persecution took place under 
Marcus Aurelius. The most illustrious martyrs were : St. Poly- 
carp, bishop of Smyrna ; and St. Justin, who had defended the 
Christians in eloquent writings, called Apologies. Like St. 
Ignatius he speaks plainly of the doctrine of the real presence. 

During these times of trial the Christians were sustained 
by a constant succession of miraculous favors. The fourth per- 
secution was brought to a close by an event generally known as 
the miracle of the Thundering Legion. Marcus Aurelius allowed 
his army to be surrounded by the barbarians in a mountain 
pass, where they were perishing for want of water. When all 
hope seemed lost, the Twelfth Legion, consisting of Christians, 
called on God, and torrents of rain began immediately to fall. 
The storm, accompanied by thunder and lightning, and showers 
of hail drove full in the faces of the barbarians, who fled in dis- 
order, and the Roman army was saved. 

FINAL DISPERSION OF THE JEWS, A. D. 134. 

The Jews, who were still numerous and powerful, were 
induced to revolt against the Romans by an impostor who 
claimed to be the true Messias. After a war of four years he 
was defeated and slain. In this unhappy revolt 600,000 had 
perished by the sword, but no one could estimate the wretched 
multitude of men, women, and children who crowded the skrYe 
markets in every city of the empire. The Jewish nation was 
extinct, and the emperor Adrian proceeded to destroy every 
thing which could give Jerusalem a religious character, or make 

Who were the most illustrious martyrs of the fourth persecution ? 
Relate the miracle of the Thundering Legion. How were the Jews 
induced to revolt? What was the result? In what manner did 
Adrian profane the holy places? 






PERSECUTIONS. 231 

it a place of Christian pilgrimage. For this purpose the stones 
of the Temple were employed to build a theatre, a temple of 
Venus was erected on the sacred Mount of Calvary ; a statue of 
Jupiter was placed over the Holy Sepulchre, and the grotto of 
Bethlehem was consecrated to Adonis. 

PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. 

It is believed that the faith was preached in Britain dur- 
ing the Apostolic age. The Church was, however, really planted 
in the island A. d. 183, when Pope St. Eleutherius sent mis- 
sionaries thither at the request of Lucius, one of the jjetty kings 
of the country. 



THIRD CENTURY. 

THE fifth general persecution took place under 
Septimus Severus. It was most severe at Lyons, where 
nineteen thousand men, women, and children perished in a 
general massacre. 

The persecution in Carthage was rendered memorable 
by the martyrdom of St. Perpetua and her companions. Per- 
petua, a noble matron of twenty-two, wrote a history or journal 
of the imprisonment and trial of herself and her companions, 
continued almost to the eve of execution. There is nothing in 
profane literature which can compare in interest with this touch- 
ing narrative. It was concluded by those who were eye-wit- 
nesses of the heroic death of the martyrs. 

The sixth general persecution took place under 
Maximin. The martyrdom of St. Cecilia occurred some time 
before. Cecilia had been married against her will to a young 

When was the Church planted in Britain ? What do you say of 
the fifth persecution? Of St. Perpetua? Relate the martyrdom 
of St. Cecilia. 



232 CHURCH HISTORY. 

patrician named Valerian. By the grace of God, she won her 
husband to respect the vow of virginity which she had made, 
and converted him to Christianity. Valerian was put to death 
with his brother Tiburtius, and Cecilia was brought herself 
before the tribunal. She was condemned to be suffocated in a 
bath in her own house. The order was executed, but the heroic 
virgin, like the Hebrews in the Chaldean furnace, walked un- 
harmed amid the fiery vapors singing the praises of God. She 
was at length beheaded. 

The seventh general persecution under Decius was 
most severe in Africa, and the Church was called, for the first 
time, to mourn over the weakness of her children. The wealthier 
classes had relaxed in piety, and in the time of trial a great 
number apostatized. 

The eighth general persecution under Valerian was 
rendered memorable by the glorious martyrdom of Pope St. 
Sixtus, and his deacon St. Lawrence. The latter having refused 
to deliver up the sacred vessels and treasures of the Church, was 
bound upon an iron grate or gridiron, and consumed by a slow 
fire. 

The ninth general persecution under Aurelian lasted 
but a short time. 

MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS. 

From the earliest days there were men and women who 
consecrated themselves to God in an especial manner, but no 
regular communities were formed. The ordinary life of the 
early Christians was so devout and regular, that consecrated vir- 
gins could live secluded in their families without fear of the 
distractions of the world. 

St. Paul, a native of Alexandria, was the first Christian 

What was there peculiar in the persecution under Decius ? How 
was the eighth persecution rendered memorable? Under whom 
was the ninth persecution ? How did consecrated virgins live in 
the earlv davR ? Who was the first hermit ? 



ECCLESIASTICAL WRITERS. 233 

hermit. His example was followed by others; communities 
were formed, and rules were composed by St. Pacomius and 
others. Later, when the persecution began to abate, convents 
of women rose, whose members followed, as far as their sex per- 
mitted, the same monastic rules. 

ECCLESIASTICAL WRITERS. 

The most famous writers of this century were Tertullian 
and Origen. The first served the Church with zeal and ability, 
and his earlier works are admired and quoted to the present 
day. Unfortunately he fell into error, and his proud and 
stubborn temper led him to refuse submission to the decisions 
of the Church. There is every reason to fear that he died im- 
penitent. 

Origen was remarkable for his learning, eloquence, and 
the austerity of his life. He suffered much during the different 
persecutions, and although some portions of his writings were 
afterwards condemned, it is not believed that he erred wilfully. 



FOUKTH CENTURY, 

PERSECUTIONS. 



THE tenth persecution under Diocletian, was the last 
and most terrible effort made by the powers of darkness 
to destroy the Church by open violence. Among the most 
illustrious martyrs was St. Sebastian, the captain of the 
imperial guard, who was condemned to be shot to death with 
arrows. 

When were convents of women established ? What do you say 
of Tertullian ? Of Origen ? What do you say of the tenth perse- 
cution ? 



234 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Maximfan and Galerius, the colleagues of Diocletian 
in the empire, were still more cruel, and the persecution which 
commenced a. d. 302, raged with unprecedented fury. In many 
places the Christians could neither buy nor sell, transact any 
business, nor even draw water at the public fountains, unless" 
they had first offered incense before the images of the gods 
placed everywhere for the purpose. By the order of Maximian, 
a body of troops known as the Theban Legion, numbering 
six thousand, were surrounded and massacred for refusing to 
sacrifice. 

It would be impossible to name the illustrious martyrs 
who suffered at this time. Sts. Cosmas and Damian, St. Agatha, 
St. Anastasia, St. Lucy of Syracuse, St. Agnes, the virgin martyr 
of Rome, and St. Catherine of Alexandria and others, are names 
familiar to us in the litanies of the Church. 

The trlumpli of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, who were 
left to perish on a frozen lake, belongs to this period. 

THE CATACOMBS. 

The Greeks and Romans were accustomed to burn 
their dead, preserving the ashes in funeral urns. It does not 
appear that the Christians. ever conformed to this practice. The 
mode of interment in use from patriarchal times, and followed 
in the burial of our divine Lord, seems to have served them as 
a rule. 

There were in the neighborhood of Rome ancient quarries 
which served the faithful not only as places of burial, but of 
concealment in time of persecution. The rock was soft and it 
was easy to cut galleries and chambers, also vaulted apartments 
which were used as churches. 

What is related of the Theban Legion? Name some of the 
martyrs of this time. What mode of burial was observed by 
Greeks and Romans? What by the people of God ? What do you 
say of the catacombs ? 



TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY. 235 



TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY. 

Diocletian resigned the supreme power a. d. 302. Dur- 
ing the ten succeeding years the empire was distracted by civil 
wars, which ended in leaving Constantine sole emperor. 

€on§tantine wa§ the son of Constantius Chlorus, whose 
reign was too short to permit the Christians to profit by his 
favorable dispositions. Constantine was, like his father, opposed 
to persecution, and he granted full liberty to the Church many 
years before he was himself a Christian. When marching 
against Maxentius, the last of his enemies, the young conqueror 
was encouraged by a wonderful vision. At noon-day, and in 
sight of the whole army, a luminous cross appeared in the 
heavens with these words: "In hoc signo vinces." (In this 
sign thou shalt conquer.) This prodigy was followed by a 
complete victory, and the submission of Rome and Italy soon 
followed. 

Those among* the persecutors who had escaped the sword 
of the conqueror, perished by the manifest judgment of God. 
Diocletian died miserably, and Galerius suffered all the torments 
by which Antiochus was punished for similar cruelties. His 
flesh was devoured by worms, and the unhappy physicians who 
failed to relieve his dying agonies were thrown, one after the 
other, to the beasts of the amphitheatre. 

Constantine, now master of the world, hastened to give 
peace to the Church. The Christians were recalled from ban- 
ishment, and churches were rebuilt, Constantine contributing 
largely to the expenses. He appointed the Lateran palace as the 
residence of the bishops of Rome, and an adjoining palace was 
converted into a church, now known as the church of St. John 
of Lateran. 

Who was Constantine? By what vision was he encouraged? 
What is Baid of the persecutors? What did Constantine hasten 
to do? 



236 CHURCH HISTORY. 



HERESIES. 

Many dangerous errors had arisen during the first cen- 
turies. They were always promptly condemned, and had but 
little effect on the great body of the faithful. The Church 
which had triumphed over all the assaults of persecution, was 
obliged now to contend with a heresy the most formidable in 
all her history. Arius, an ambitious priest of Alexandria, being 
disappointed in his hopes of a bishopric, began to preach openly 
against the fundamental doctrine of Christianity, the divinity 
of our Lord Jesus Christ. He gained many partisans, and the 
evil grew so rapidly that it was deemed necessary to apply the 
most active remedies. 



FIRST GENERAL COUNCIL OP NICE, A. D. 325. 

Pope Sylvester took measures with the emperor Con- 
stantine for the calling of a general council. Nice, in Bithynia, 
was selected as the place of meeting, and there were assembled 
on the appointed day, three hundred and eighteen bishops, 
besides a great number of priests and deacons. The emperor 
was present at the deliberations, but, as he assured the bishops, 
as a hearer only, and not a judge. 

Arius being* summoned, declared with an audacity 
which shocked the whole assemblv, that Jesus Christ was a 
finite being, created not begotten, and in all things foreign to 
the substance of the Father. 

When the bishops had declared, each in turn, the true 
faith as held in his church from the apostolic times, Osius, one 
of their number, was appointed to draw up a distinct profession 
of faith. The result was the sublime formula which we know 

What heresy arose at this time ? Relate the opening of the first 
general council. Relate the proceedings of the council and its 
result. 



PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. 237 

as the Nicene Creed. It was signed by all the members of the 
council, and by the greater number of those who had supported 
the new heresy. Arius, and two of his friends who remained 
obstinate, were banished by Constantine. 

PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. 

After the close of the council the emperor visited the 
Holy Land in company with his mother, St. Helena. This pious 
princess had a search made on Mount Calvary, and discovered 
under the spot rendered sacred by the Crucifixion, three crosses. 
That on which our Lord had suffered was soon made known by 
the wonderful cures wrought on the sick who touched it. This 
discovery is commemorated on the third of May. 

Arianism would have died out like other heresies had it 
not been for the weakness of Constantine. He was persuaded 
to recall Arius from exile, and to sanction the persecution of St. 
Athanasius, the great defender of the doctrine of our Lord's 
divinity. Finally, the emperor commanded St. Alexander, 
bishop of Constantinople, to admit Arius publicly to com- 
munion. The eve of the day appointed for this sacrilege was 
spent by St. Alexander and his clergy in fasting and prayer. 
The following morning, as Arius was proceeding in great pomp 
to the church, he was struck by the hand of God, and died in a 
shocking manner. Many were converted by this judgment. 

Constantine died a. d. 337, in the communion of the 
Church, with every mark of true repentance. He was succeeded 
by his three sons Constantine, Constantius, and Constans. By 
the death of his brothers, Constantius became sole emperor. He 
was attached to the Arian heresy, and the faithful suffered dur- 
ing his entire reign the most bitter persecution. 

The death of Constantius failed to bring peace to the 

What discovery was made by the empress Helena ? Why did 
not Arianism die out ? How did Arius die ? By whom was Con- 
stantine succeeded ? 



238 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Church, as he was succeeded by his cousin, known in history as 
Julian the Apostate. This prince was determined to restore the 
worship of the old heathen divinities, and the persecution which 
he carried on differed essentially from any which preceded. He 
abstained, as a general thing, from bloodshed, but strove to 
degrade the Christians by shutting them out from every honor- 
able employment. He closed their schools, and obliged them 
to see their children grow up in ignorance, or to expose their 
faith in the heathen academies which were everywhere estab- 
lished. This system was the same which now threatens to 
destroy all Christian faith in France and Germany, unless checked 
by some particular interposition of divine Providence. Such 
was not wanting in the case of Julian.- He was defeated and 
slain by the Persians after a reign of twenty-two months. 

A remarkable event marked the brief and impious career 
of Julian. He wished to disprove the prophecies regarding the 
Temple of Jerusalem, and determined to rebuild it at the public 
expense. The Jews assembled from every part of the empire, 
bringing with them a vast amount of gold and silver. Such 
was their zeal that many wrought with implements of silver, 
and delicate women carried away the rubbish in mantles of silk 
and purple. AH proceeded prosperously until the words of 
our Lord were literally fulfilled, and not a stone remained upon 
a stone of the ancient Temple. When, however, they began to 
lay the new foundations, the most terrible prodigies ensued. 
The stones were scattered by earthquakes, and flames burst from 
the ground, scorching and blasting all who approached. These 
terrors were renewed at every attempt to continue the work, 
which was at length abandoned. 

The Seeond General Couneil, first of Constantinople, 
met a. d. 381. It was called to condemn a new heresy regard- 
ing the procession of the Holy Ghost. The bishops added to 

Why did not the death of Constantius give peace to the Church ? 
Describe the persecution of Julian. Relate the attempt to rebuild 
the Temple. What do you say of the Second General Council ? 



FAITH OF THEODOSIUS. 239 

the Nicene Creed the clause beginning with the words: "I 
believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life." 

FAITH OF THEODOSIUS. 

Tills emperor did much to repair the evils caused by the 
Arian heresy. It was in his reign, and at his suggestion, that the 
term " Catholic " was first used to distinguish the orthodox faith- 
ful from the heretics. Theodosius was guided by the counsels 
of St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, and his conduct would have 
been altogether faultless had he always controlled the natural 
violence of his temper. This led him, on one occasion, to punish 
an insignificant revolt in Thessalonica by an indiscriminate 
massacre. St. Ambrose wrote to the emperor, reproving his 
crime in the strongest terms, and when Theodosius came as usual 
to the Cathedral church of Milan, the holy bishop met him at 
the door and forbade his entrance. The emperor withdrew, and 
underwent eight months of canonical penance before he was ad- 
mitted to the communion of the faithful. 



N 



FIFTH CENTURY. 

OTWITH$TA]«>IlVtt the public profession of 
-L \ Christianity in Rome, it seems evident that this great 
capital was never thoroughly converted. The pagans were 
numerous and wealthy, and the Christians were more or less 
corrupted by the example of their luxury and vice. The same 
might be said of many other cities of the empire, and God per- 
mitted that hordes of northern barbarians should sweep over 
its fairest provinces, wasting everywhere with fire and sword. 

What was the character of Theodosius? What term was used 
at this time ? What remarks are made about Rome ? What calam- 
ities fell on the empire and on the city ? 



240 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Rome was taken by Alaric the Visigoth A. d. 410. The city was 
given up to pillage, but the churches were spared 

Spain and Africa were successively ravaged by the bar- 
barians — Goths, Vandals, and others — and the eastern empire was 
laid waste by the Huns under the terrible Attila. He passed 
into Italy, and in the year 453 appeared before the walls of 
Rome. The city was saved by the intercession of Pope St. 
Leo, who, trusting in the divine protection, sought the camp 
of Attila, and pleaded for his unhappy people. 

Some years later, the Vandal Genseric entered Rome, 
which was again pillaged. The imperial city never recovered 
from these calamities ; the barbarians continued their conquests 
until, in the year 476, Odoacer, chief of the Heruli, was acknowl- 
edged king of Italy, and the western empire ceased to exist. 

The Third General Council met at Ephesus a. d. 431. 
This assembly was called to condemn the errors of Nestorius, 
who taught that there were two persons in Jesus Christ. This 
involved a denial of the Incarnation, and it followed that the 
Blessed Virgin could no longer be called the Mother of God. 
This impious doctrine was condemned, and the decision was 
received with extraordinary joy by the people of Ephesus. The 
city was illuminated ; the bishops were escorted by torch-light 
to their homes, and cries of Theotokos (Mother of God) re- 
sounded on every side. Tradition says that it was upon this 
occasion the concluding petition was added to the Hail Mary. 

The Fourth Oeneral Council assembled at Chalcedon 
A. d. 451. A certain monk named Eutyches, in opposing the 
heresy of Nestorius, which gave two persons to Jesus Christ and 
destroyed his divinity, fell into the opposite error. He denied 
the existence of two natures and thus destroyed the humanity of 
our Lord. He went so far as to say that Christ had no real 
body, and that He suffered and died in appearance only. A 

How was Rome saved from Attila ? What led to the extinction 
of the western empire? Give an account of the Third General 
Council. 



CONVERSION OF IRELAND. 241 

council was called at Ephesus, but the place of meeting was 
surrounded by soldiers, and the bishops were subjected to such 
violence that nothing could be done. At Chalcedon the errors 
of Eatyches were condemned, and the faith was declared in a 
plain and explicit manner. The Council was protected in its 
deliberations by the holy empress Pulcheria, the daughter of 
Theodosius. 

CONVERSION OF IRELAND. 

St. Patrick, the apostle of this country, was consecrated 
bishop, and sent thither with a company of zealous priests in 
the year 432. The story of his mission and its results is 
well known. It is said that before his death St. Patrick was 
comforted by the assurance that the race which he had converted 
would never lose the grace of faith. Their unexampled fidelity 
through ages of suffering and persecution, seems to justify this 
ancient tradition. 

BRITAIN. — SPAIN. — AFRICA. 

The Saxon conquest of Britain destroyed almost every 
trace of Christianity in that country ; the British Christians who 
escaped the sword of the invader, either crossed the seas into 
Armorica, or retired to Cornwall and Wales. 

The Visigoths who established their dominion in Spain 
were either pagans or Arians, and the Church suffered equally 
from both. 

In Africa the Arians under Genseric, the Vandal conqueror, 
carried on a long and cruel persecution. At Typasus, a number 
of Catholics, for persevering in the invocation of the Holy 
Trinity, had their tongues torn out by the roots. They spoke, 

What do you say of the conversion of Ireland? What was the 
result of the Saxon conquest ? What do you say of Spain ? What 
occurred in Africa ? Relate the miracle of Typasus. 



242 church history. 

nevertheless, distinctly as before, and remained during many 
years living witnesses of the true faith. 

SAINTS AND ECCLESIASTICAL WRITERS. 

St. John Clirysostom, St. Augustine, and St. Jerome are 
among the most illustrious names of this century. St. John 
labored earnestly to reform the morals of the city and Court of 
Constantinople. He was twice banished through the influence 
of the vain and wicked empress Eudoxia. On the second exile, 
he died, exhausted by the hardships of the forced journey. 

St. Augustine, whose name is familiar to all, was one of 
the greatest among the doctors of the Church. He was bishop 
of Hippo in Africa, and died during the Vandal invasion, 
having prayed to God that he might not live to see the slaugh- 
ter of his children. 

St. Jerome was eminent for his learning and zeal. He 
arranged the Latin translation of the Bible, generally known as 
the Vulgate. 



SIXTH CENTURY. 

PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. 



THE greater part of the vast region known as Gaul was 
overrun by different tribes of barbarians. The most power- 
ful were the Franks, who gave their name to the whole country. 
Clovis, the first Christian king, was converted through the in- 
fluence of his wife St. Clotilda. With this reign begins the 
history of modern France. 

During this century Spain was converted from Arianism. 

What do you say of St. John Chrysostom? St. Augustine? St. 
Jerome? Who was Clovis? During this century what occurred 
in Spain? 



MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS. 243 

The inhabitants of this peninsula have been, since that time, 
remarkable for their fidelity to the teachings of the Church. 
In Africa, the destruction of the power of the Vandals gave a 
short interval of peace to that afflicted church. 

Italy was still distracted by war. The emperors of Con- 
stantinople succeeded for a while in re-establishing their au- 
thority in Rome, but the Goths under Totila took the city, which 
was twice given up to plunder. 

Tlie Fiftli General Council and second of Constanti- 
nople met a. d. 553. The assembly contented itself with con- 
firming the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon and condemn- 
ing certain objectionable writings. 

monastic Institutions received a great development 
during this century. St. Benedict, who is considered the patri- 
arch of the western monks, founded the famous monastery of 
Mount Cassino a. d. 529. He composed a rule, which late? 
founders of religious orders have copied in many particulars. 
St. Columba, the great Irish patriarch, founded in Ireland and 
Scotland, no less than one hundred monasteries. Being obliged 
to leave Ireland, he preached the faith among the Picts, and 
received from their king the island of Iona, where he established 
a monastery. For many centuries this island was one of the 
principal seats of learning and religion in northern Europe. 



SEVENTH CENTURY. 

PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. 



THE conversion of Saxon England belongs to the first 
part of this century. The story of St. Gregory the Great 
and the fair-haired Saxon youths who attracted his attention in 

How did the African church obtain an interval of peace ? What 
was clone by the Fifth General Council? Who was St. Benedict? 
St. Columba ? Relate the conversion of Saxon England. 



244 CHURCH HISTORY. 

the slave market at Rome, is familiar to all. When St. Gregory 
became Pope, lie chose St. Augustine, a holy and learned monk, 
for this important mission, in which his labors were crowned 
with the fullest success. 

Willrin fifty year§ from the landing of St. Augustine, six 
kingdoms of the Heptarchy had embraced Christianity. The 
South Saxons were converted twenty years later, by the preach- 
ing of St. Wilfred. Three Irish monks sent from Ion a — St. 
Aidan, St. Colman, and St. Finian — by their zealous ministry 
converted the entire kingdom of North umbria. 

In France, where ecclesiastical and monastic discipline had 
become relaxed, St. Columbanus, a native of Ireland, succeeded 
in effecting a necessary reform. He brought with him from his 
own country a company of monks, of w T hom St. Gall was the 
most famous. 

Tlie Sixth Creneral Council, third of Constantinople, 
met A. d. 680. It was called to condemn the monoth elite heresy 
which taught that there was in Jesus Christ but one natural 
will. This heresy, which was the same as the Eutychian, was 
soon forgotten. 

DISCIPLINE. 

An unauthorized synod was called a. d. 692 by the 

emperor Justinian H. The prelates made several changes in 
discipline. The most important regarded the celibacy of the 
clergy. The priests were permitted, not indeed to marry, but to 
keep the wives to whom they had been united before ordina- 
tion. This privilege w T as not extended to the bishops. 

RISE OF MAHOMETANISM. 

Mahomet was born at Mecca in Arabia, a. d. 568. 
Originally a poor camel-driver, he obtained wealth by marriage, 

By whom was Northumbria converted? Why was the Sixth 
General Council assembled ? What innovation was introduced in 
the East ? 



PROGRESS OF MAHOMETANISM. 245 

and was enabled to carry out his schemes of ambition. He 
became the founder of a new religion, the leading doctrine being 
that there was but one God, and that he (Mahomet) was his 
apostle and prophet. He promised his true followers a para- 
dise of sensual delights after death, and in this life wealth and 
dominion. 

Possessing rare abilities as a leader, Mahomet soon ful- 
filled the latter promises. The wandering tribes of the desert 
gathered to his standard ; and beginning with the plunder of 
caravans, he soon extended his operations, until all Arabia had 
submitted to his arms. The Koran, held sacred by his followers, 
Mahomet composed, aided, it is said, by an apostate monk. It 
is filled with extravagant fables, mingled with maxims borrowed 
from the Old and Xew Testaments. 

lllahomet died a. d. 632. but his career of conquest was 
continued by the Caliph Omar. In less than ten years this great 
leader conquered Syria, Persia, Palestine, and Egypt. The 
emperor Heraclius caused the True Cross to be removed from 
Jerusalem, but made no effort to save the holy city. Omar 
behaved with moderation, and forebore to destroy the churches. 



EIGHTH CENTURY. 

PROGRESS OF MAHOMETANISM. 



THE Mahometans, failing to take Constantinople, in- 
vaded Africa; Carthage was taken by storm, and in an 
incredibly short space of time, the whole country was sub- 
jugated. In no part of the world was the triumph of this im- 

Who was Mahomet ? What was his chief doctrine t What did 
he effect ? What do you say of the Koran ? What of the conquests 
of Omar ? What did the Mahometans effect in Africa ? 



246 CHTJECH HISTORY. 

pious sect so complete. All the inhabitants of this vast region 
— Romans, Goths, Vandals, and Moors — either embraced the 
doctrine of the Koran, or perished by the sword. Of the Afri- 
can Church, once so flourishing, no trace remains ; not even the 
ruins to tell the story of its destruction. 

The treachery of Count Julian caused similar disasters in 
the Spanish peninsula. This nobleman, to revenge an injury 
done his family by king Roderic, invited the Saracens into 
Spain, and surrendered to them an important fort commanding 
the straits of Gibraltar. The Goths rallied in haste to meet the 
invader. A decisive battle was fought at Xeres, on the banks 
of the Gaudalquivir. Roderic was slain, and the Saracens won 
a complete victory. In less than two years almost the entire 
peninsula was made subject to the invader. Those Christians 
who remained faithful, rallied in the mountainous district of 
Asturias, under the command of Pelagius, a prince of the royal 
family. Their numbers gradually increased; they won from 
time to time an increase of territory, and thus commenced the 
struggle with the Mahometans which continued during seven 
centuries. It was brought to a triumphant conclusion by the arms 
of Ferdinand and Isabella, who conquered Granada a. d. 1492. 

In 732 a countless host of Saracens invaded France, 
carrying everywhere bloodshed and desolation. The valor of 
Charles Martel was made the instrument of the deliverance, not 
only of France, but of all Christendom. In a battle fought at 
Poitiers, the army of Abderahman was defeated with such slaugh- 
ter that it is said three hundred thousand of the Saracens re- 
mained dead upon the field. 

PEPDT AND THE HOLY SEE. 

The Romans had for a long time acted independently of 
the emperors of Constantinople, who had no longer the power to 

Relate the conquest of Spain. By whom were the Mahometans 
finally conquered ? Relate the victory of Charles Martel. 



PEPIN AND THE HOLY SEE. 247 

protect thein, or to assert their authority. The reverence felt 
for the sovereign Pontiffs caused them to be regarded as the 
protectors of the temporal as well as spiritual interests of the 
people, and they already held in Rome a real though informal 
sovereignty. 

In the reign of Pope Stephen, the duchy of Rome and the 
surrounding country were devastated by Astolphus, king of the 
Lombards. These barbarians committed everywhere the most 
dreadful cruelties ; and the danger of Rome itself was so great 
that the Pope appealed to Constantinople for succor. The 
emperor paid no attention to this prayer, and Stephen resolved 
to go in person to seek aid from Pepin, the son of Charles Mar- 
tel, who was then king of France. 

Finding negotiations of no avail, Pepin crossed the 
Alps, and entered Italy with an army. The Lombards were 
defeated, and Astolphus was forced to restore the conquered 
territory, and make reparation as far as lay in his power. 
Scarcely had Pepin returned to France, when the treacherous 
Lombard laid siege to Rome. Pepin entered Italy a second 
time, and wrested from Astolphus, Ravenna with its depen- 
dencies ; Bologna, Ferrara, and a considerable territory stretch- 
ing along the Adriatic. Considering the interest of the in- 
habitants, rather than his own ambition, Pepin bestowed the 
whole, by a solemn grant, upon Pope Stephen IIL, to be 
governed by him and his successors in St. Peter's Chair, 
forever. By this act of the French king, the Popes became 
temporal princes, exercising sovereign power over a consider- 
able territory. 

Charlemagne, the son of Pepin, confirmed later the grant 
made by his father, adding new territory which he had con- 
quered from the Lombards. 

During thi§ century the Gospel was preached in Ger- 
many, Friesland, Holland, and Zealand. The most illustrious 

Relate the circumstances under which the Popes became tem- 
poral sovereigns. In what countries was the Gospel preached ? 



248 CHURCH HISTORY. 

apostles were St. Willibrord and St. Boniface. The latter re- 
ceived tlie crown of martyrdom a. d. 754. 

THE ICONOCLASTS. (IMAGE BREAKERS.) 

JLeo tlie Isaurian was a man of low birth, who had im- 
bibed, it is said, from the Jews, a strong dislike to the use of 
holy images and pictures. 

On becoming emperor, he commanded that all repre- 
sentations, whether of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, or the 
Saints, should be taken from the churches and destroyed. 

St. Qermaims, patriarch of Constantinople, remonstrated, 
appealing to the constant practice of the Church, and setting 
forth the benefits arising from the use of these pious objects. 
Leo was, however, too ignorant to appreciate any explanation. 
Over the entrance of the palace stood a large crucifix, placed 
there in the reign of Constantine. By the order of Leo, an exe- 
cutioner was sent to remove the holy image. An excited crowd 
assembled, but it would seem that the men were too much in- 
timidated to offer any open resistance. The executioner mounted 
a long ladder, and, with an axe, struck the figure of our Lord 
in the face. A number of women, standing near, pulled away 
the foot of the ladder, and the man was killed in the fall. 
Troops were immediately sent to the spot ; the sacred image 
was hewn in pieces, and the women who had interfered were 
massacred without pity. 

Such was the beginning of a general persecution. All 
who refused to obey the emperor, perished in cruel torments. 
The walls of the churches were daubed with whitewash to con- 
ceal the paintings w r ith which they were adorned. Not content 
with this, the emperor caused the bones of the saints and mar- 
tyrs to be taken from the sepulchres, and thrown into the ditches 
and sewers. These sacrileges extended so far, that w r hen the 

What was the conduct of Leo the Isaurian regarding holy 
pictures and images ? Relate the persecution. 



THE EASTERN SCHISM. 249 

empress Irene, a pious and orthodox princess, assumed the 
government, it was considered necessary to adopt the most 
vigorous measures. 

The Seventh Oeneral Council, second of Nice, met 
a. d. 787. The assembled prelates defined clearly the Catholic 
doctrine with regard to the relative honor due to relics, pictures 
and images. The sovereign pontiff confirmed the decrees, and 
the Iconoclasts ceased to disturb the peace of the church. 



NINTH CENTURY. 

COMMENCEMENT OF THE EASTERN SCHISM. 

THIS great §chi§m, which has cut off the Eastern 
churches from the centre of unity, commenced with the 
usurpation of Photius. This proud and ambitious man usurped 
the See of Constantinople from the patriarch St. Ignatius. 
When he found it impossible to obtain the support of the Pope, 
he threw off his allegiance to the Holy See. 

The Eighth Oeneral Council, fourth of Constanti- 
nople, was called a. d. 869, to condemn these schism atieal pro- 
ceedings. The prelates acknowledged the supremacy of the 
Roman See, and declared their allegiance to the bishop of Borne 
as the successor of St. Peter. Photius was deposed, and the 
emperor added a decree of banishment. These proceedings 
restored peace for a while. Photius returned from exile some 
years later, but his wicked career received its final check from 
the emperor Leo. He died in exile and obscurity, but the evil 
which he had done remained to bear bitter fruit. 



What was done in the Seventh General Council? Prelate the 
commencement of the Eastern schism. What was done by the 
Eighth General Council ? 



250 CBU-u/Cxi iiiSiOiiX; 



ENGLAND. 

This century was marked in England by great calamities. 
The Danish invaders had laid waste the country, and destroyed 
the churches and monasteries, slaughtering entire communities % 
The libraries, collected by the monks with such long and patient 
toil, were everywhere destroyed. Study was at an end, and 
ignorant men, who could scarcely understand the Latin service 
of the church, were, for want of better, admitted to the priest- 
hood. They were neither willing nor competent to teach the 
people, who gradually forgot their Christian duties, and, in too 
many instances, adopted the superstitions of the heathen Danes. 

Wlien the victories of Alfred the Great restored peace 
to England, he gave his first attention to these evils. He sup- 
ported the bishops in their efforts to reform the clergy, estab- 
lished schools everywhere, and founded the celebrated University 
of Oxford. He invited thither professors from other countries, 
particularly from Ireland, where learning and religion were then 
flourishing with equal lustre. Alfred saw before his death, 
a. d. 901, the commencement of a better era. 



TENTH CENTURY. 



THE state of Italy during this century was wretched in 
the extreme. The half-converted barbarians who occupied 
the country were engaged in continual wars. The Marquises 
of Tuscany, and the Counts of Tusculum, with other lawless 
leaders, desolated the states of the Church, and interfered with 
the papal elections. Some Popes died in prison, others were 

What was the state of England ? What was effected by Alfred ? 
What was the state of Italv ? 






FAMINE IN EUROPE. 251 

murdered, and the entire epoch was one of disorder and peril. 
Had the Holy See been a merely human institution, it must 
necessarily have perished in this unhappy time. 

Among; tlie Saints of the tenth century, we find four 
sovereigns, St. Olaus of Norway, St. Stephen of Hungary, St. 
•Wenceslaus of Bohemia, and St. Harold of Denmark. The Nor- 
mans, who had ravaged France, were converted with their duke 
Rollo, A. D. 912. 



ELEVENTH CENTURY 



THE Cliurcli suffered much at this time from barbarian 
invaders. The Danes, under Sweyn, landed in England 
1113, burning and destroying everywhere they passed. The 
Slaves carried fire and sword through all the countries north 
of the Elbe, and the Saracens effected more than one landing on 
the coast of Italy. 

In the year 1030 Europe was visited by the most terrible 
famine recorded in history. For three successive years, the 
crops were destroyed by incessant rains, and the misery was so 
great that the people committed frightful excesses. In Bur- 
gundy, an inn-keeper was convicted of having murdered forty- 
six travellers, and served their flesh to his guests. 

St. Odilo of Cluny and many other bishops and abbots 
distinguished themselves by their charity to the poor ; even the 
sacred vessels of the altar were in many places melted down to 
supply their necessities. 

THE EASTERN SCHISM. — BERENGAEIXJS. 

Tlie relaxation of discipline, which had become general 
in the East, prepared the way for this great calamity. The 

Name some Saints of the tenth century. What do you say of 
the barbarian invasion ? 



252 CHURCH HISTORY. „ 

final separation of the Greek Chnrch was brought about by the 
ambition of the patriarch Michael Cerularius 1053. Since that 
time it has lost even the semblance of a living Church. In 
breaking the bonds of Unity it forfeited the other divine marks, 
and has ceased to be Holy, Catholic, or Apostolic. 

Tlie doctrine of the real presence was attacked for the 
first time during this century by Berengarius, archdeacon of 
Angers. It does not appear that he had many followers ; his 
teachings were promptly condemned, and in the year 1079, he 
made a full recantation of his errors at Rome. It is believed 
that he died in the communion of the Church. 

WAR OF rPTVESTITURES. 

The long contest which is so entitled, arose from the 
interference of temporal sovereigns in the appointment of 
bishops and abbots. Many bishops were temporal lords, hold- 
ing lands, castles, and even cities as fiefs or dependencies of the 
empire. They were obliged, therefore, to do homage for these, 
and to take an oath of allegiance to the sovereign on entering 
office. This was reasonable, and the Popes never objected ; but 
the emperors of Germany soon went farther, and claimed the 
right to ajDpoint bishops, and invest them with ring and crosier. 
This could not be allowed, but the emperors persisted in their 
claim. Unscrupulous princes were not likely to choose bishops 
who would reprove their vices, and their appoimtments were, in 
fact, scandalous in the extreme. 

Henry IV. of Germany was ojjposcd in these unlawful 
acts by Hildebrand, a holy monk, known in history as St. 
Gregory VII. This Pontiff labored, during a stormy reign of 
twelve years, to defend the rights of the Church, and to effect a 
much needed reform among the clergy. He was obliged, when 

In what manner was the final separation of the Greek Church 
brought about ? What do you understand by the war of investi- 
tures ? By whom was Henry IV. opposed ? 



GENERAL COUNCILS. 253 

every other measure failed, to excommunicate the German 
emperor. Henry had, at the same time, so exasperated the 
German nobles by his tyranny, that they rose in open rebellion. 
Terrified by his desperate position, the emperor resolved to 
make his submission to the Pope. St. Gregory was then at 
Canossa, in Lombardy, and there occurred an interview famous 
in history. The submission of Henry was entire, but when the 
immediate pressure was removed, he renewed all his scandalous 
proceedings. The contest w T as continued by other emperors 
against later Pontiffs, and, as we shall see, with fatal results to 
religious discipline. 



TWELFTH CENTUEY. 



THE Ninth General Council, first of Lateran, met 
A. D. 1123. This assembly was convened by Pope Pascal 
to remedy evils caused by the emperor Henry V. 

The Tenth General Council, second of Lateran, met 
a. d. 1139. The errors of Abelard, Arnold of Brescia, and other 
innovators, were solemnly condemned. During the troubles 
which preceded the meeting of this assembly, the Pope was 
supported by the great St. Bernard. 

The Eleventh General Council, third of Lateran, met 
A. d. 1179. Italy and the Church had been disturbed by the 
violence of Frederick Barbarossa. Among other acts of tyranny 
he destroyed the city of Milan, burned the basilica of St. Peter 
at Rome, and had himself crowned by an anti-pope of his own 
appointment. The most important act of the eleventh council 
was the decree requiring that, in the election of a Pope, two- 

What led to the interview at Canossa? Was the contest re- 
newed ? What do you say of the Ninth General Council? Of the 
Tenth ? Of the Eleventh ? 



254 CHURCH HISTORY. 

thirds of the sacred college should cast their votes for the same 
person. 

In tlie year 118? Jerusalem surrendered to the amis of 
Saladin, and has since remained in the hands of the Mahome- 
tans. 

St. Tlioma§ of Canterbury, after a long contest, in which 
he maintained the rights of the Church against the usurpations 
of King Henry II., was assassinated in his cathedral a. d. 1170. 



THIETEENTH CENTURY. 

GENERAL COUNCILS. 

THE Twelfth General Council, fourth of Lateran, 
was called to condemn the errors of the Albteenses and 
other fanatics, and also to reform certain abuses. The Albi- 
genses, not content with propagating the most impious and im- 
moral doctrines, assembled in armed bands, and committed 
frightful ravages, particularly in the South of France. They 
were finally conquered by the arms of the Catholic princes, 
and their doctrines and those of the Waldenses, Paturini, and 
others, were condemned by this council. 

The Thirteenth and Fourteenth General Councils, first 
and second of Lyons, met respectively in the years a. d. 124a 
and 1274. In the first assembly the attendance of the bishops 
was small, and little was effected. 

A large number of Eastern bishops repaired to the second 
council of Lyons, and the Greek Church was solemnly reunited 
to the Holy See. This event caused the most heartfelt joy, but 
the union hardly lasted eight years. The corruption of the 

What occurred 1187? What of St. Thomas of Canterbury? 
What do you say of the Twelfth General Council? Of the 
Thirteenth ? Of the Fourteenth ? 






CRUSADES. 255 

inferior Greek clergy, and the prejudices of an ignorant populace, 
soon brought about a renewal of this unhappy schism. 

* GENERAL EVENTS. 

King John of England, who was already odious to the 
people on account of the murder of his nephew Arthur and his 
tyrannical government, was excommunicated by the Pope for 
the manner in which he persecuted the Church in his dominions. 
John made his peace with the Holy See, and pacified the nobles 
by signing the famous Magna Charta. 

CRUSADES. 

Tlic thirteenth century witnessed the. last of these 
famous expeditions. The Crusades had for their first and avowed 
object, the recovery of Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre from 
the hands of the infidels, and the deliverance of the Christians 
of Palestine from the most miserable oppression. These ends 
seemed to be effected by the first Crusade, which resulted in the 
taking of Jerusalem a. d. 1099, and the subjugation of a con- 
siderable territory. The new kingdom of Jerusalem had, how- 
ever, to be defended by unceasing warfare. Fresh expeditions 
were organized from time to time, but the want of a good under- 
standing among the Christian sovereigns, dissensions among the 
leaders, and still more, the treachery of the Greek emperors, 
proved fatal obstacles to their success. As we have seen, Jeru- 
salem fell again into the hands of the Turks, who hold it to the 
present day. If the Crusades failed in their great object, there 
is no doubt that they were of essential service in keeping back 
the tide of Mahometan conquest. 

How did King John become odious to his people? Why did 
the Pope excommunicate him? What was the avowed object of 
the Crusades? What was effected by the first ? What advantage 
was gained by these expeditions ? 



256 CHURCH HISTORY. 

The seventh and eighth Crusades, led by St. Louis of 
France, only served to display the virtues of that Christian hero. 
He died under the walls of Tunis, a. d. 1270. 

•» 

SAIOTS AND ECCLESIASTICAL. WRITERS. 

St. Dominick and St. Francis are the two most illustrious 
names belonging to this century. The order of Friar Preachers 
founded by St. Dominick became the nursery of Saints and 
Apostles; and the same may be said of the Franciscans who 
claim as their father the humble saint of Assissi. 

St. Anthony of Padua was distinguished by his extra- 
ordinary gift of miracles. St. Thomas Aquinas, called the 
Angelical Doctor, was the most famous among many ecclesiasti- 
cal writers. 



FOURTEENTH CENTURY. 

THIS century opened with the death of Pope Boni- 
face VIII. who died 1303, in consequence of the insults, 
and even the personal ill-treatment inflicted on him by the 
envoys of Philip the Fair, king of France. This tyrannical 
prince, far from being touched by repentance, was only desirous 
of obtaining the election of a Pope who would be more subject 
to his influence than the firm and upright Boniface. Bertram! 
de Got, a French prelate, was in fact chosen, and Philip ob- 
tained as a first step that he should fix his residence at Avignon 
in France. 

Tlic king proceeded to make other demands with which 

What of the seventh and eighth Crusades? Who are the most 
illustrious saints of this century ? What did they found ? What 
other saints can you name? How did the fourteenth century 
open? Who was elected Pope, and what did he grant to the 
French king? What did the Pope resolve to do? 



KNIGHT TEMPLARS. 257 

the Pope dared not comply, and he finally decided to call a 
general council. 

The military order of Knight Templars had been in- 
stituted to defend Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and they had 
done good service for a long period. Becoming numerous, rich, 
and powerful, the religious spirit grew cold, and their lives in 
many instances reflected but little credit on their profession. 
They had the misfortune to offend Philip the Fair, and he w T as 
determined to take signal vengeance on their persons, and to 
possess himself of their great wealth. Clement wished to wait 
until the council had decided regarding the fate of these un- 
happy men, but the king took the law into his own hands. The 
Templars were everywhere arrested, and cruelly tortured to 
make them confess the extravagant crimes of w T hich they were 
accused. Some yielded weakly, glad to accept life on any 
terms ; others maintained their innocence and defended their 
Order to the last. Of these the greater number were by Philip's 
order burned at the stake. The Pope w 7 as shocked at these 
cruelties, which he was powerless to prevent. 

The Fifteenth €*cnerafl Council met at Vienne a. d. 
1311. The Order of the Knight Templars was suppressed, many 
regulations were made regarding discipline, particularly the 
better observance of Sundays and holidays. 

The influence of the French Court was felt in the appoint- 
ment of cardinals of that nation. Five Popes succeeded Cle- 
ment, all of whom were French. They continued to hold their 
Court at Avignon, alleging as an excuse the disturbed state of 
Rome, and the seditious conduct of its populace. At length 
Gregory XL, moved, partly by the impulses of his conscience, 
partly by the earnest exhortations of St. Catherine of Sienna, 
restored the residence of the Holy See to Rome A. d. 1377. 

What is related of the Knight Templars and their fate? What 
was done by the Fifteenth General Council ? How was the in- 
fluence of the French Court felt? Who restored the residence of 
the Holy See to Rome ? 



258 CHURCH HISTORY. 

The long residence of the Popes in the dominions of a 
foreign prince was attended by many evils. The French kings 
did, iii fact, exercise an undue influence over the pontiffs ; and 
even when the latter did not yield, they gained no credit for 
their independent action. Every decree was supposed to come 
more or less directly from the French sovereigns ; it was diffi- 
cult to enforce obedience, and the Holy See lost continually in 
the respect and esteem of the faithful. The Schism which 
troubled the peace of Christendom during the latter part of 
this century was a direct consequence of this unhappy state of 
things. 

England was di§turl>ed for a time by the heresy of 
John Wickliffe. His doctrines were absurd and extravagant, 
but he obtained many followers, and was even protected by the 
famous John of Gaunt, uncle of the king. The disciples of 
Wickliffe were known as Lollards. 



FIFTEENTH CENTUKY. 

GREAT "WESTERN SCHISM. — COUNCIL OP CONSTANCE. 

ON the 'death of Gregory XI. 1378, a Pope was elected 
who took the name of Urban VI. His government dis- 
pleased <the Cardinal s> aud objections were raised as to the 
validity of his election. The discontented party chose another 
Pope, whom they declared the only lawful successor of St. Peter. 
Opinions were divided; neither pontiff was universally acknowl- 
edged, and the mcst serious difficulties ensued. The rival popes 
died ; others Avere chosen by their partisans ; Europe was divided 
under different obediences, and the best and wisest men doubted 
as to who was the real Pope. A council met at Pisa to decide 

What evils resulted from the residence of the Popes at Avignon ? 
Relate the origin of the great schism. 



JOHN HUSS. 259 

this affair ; but their efforts were not crowned with success, and 
the commencement of the century saw the Church distracted by 
the conflicting claims of three rival pontiffs. 

A general council seemed to be the only remedy. Car- 
dinals and bishops, princes and people were equally desirous to 
terminate this great scandal, and the assembly which met at 
Constance A. d. 1414 was one of the most numerous recorded 
in history. After some difficulty two of the rival Popes ab- 
dicated, and the council chose a pontiff who was universally 
acknowledged under the title of Martin V. Although w 7 e use 
the word schism in speaking of these difficulties, we must re- 
member that none of the followers of the rival Popes were 
schismatics. They had no desire for separation, and knew that 
there could be but one lawful Pope. The only question was as 
to whom this dignity rightfully belonged ; and on this point 
even good and holy men were divided. 

John Hu*§s, an ecclesiastic who had created some disturb- 
ance by his novel teaching, was summoned before this council 
to answer for his doctrine. He maintained his errors, and being 
found obstinate was excommunicated as a heretic. Upon this, he 
was condemned by the secular authority, according to laws then 
in force, to be burned at the stake. Some months later Jerome 
of Prague, one of his disciples, underwent the same fate. 

LAST REUNION OF THE GREEKS AT THE COUNCIL OF 
FLORENCE. — FALL OF CONSTANTINOPLE. 

The emperor John Paleologus, being pressed on all sides 
by the Turks, desired to conciliate the western princes and 
obtain their aid. For this purpose, and perhaps with better 
motives, he proposed a reconciliation with the Holy See. This 
was happily effected in the seventeenth General Council which 

What was effected by the Council of Constance ? Were those 
who followed the rival Popes schismatics ? What occurred with 
regard to John Huss and Jerome of Prague ? 



260 CHURCH HISTORY. 

met first at Ferrara A. d. 1438, but continued, and closed its 
deliberations in the city of Florence. As before, the blind 
hatred of the Greeks towards their western brethren rendered 
this reunion of short duration, and the schism was soon re-estab- 
lished in full vigor. 

Const aiitine Paleologus, who succeeded John, strove 
earnestly, but in vain, to restore the union. This last infidelity 
of the Greeks seemed to have filled the measure of their iniquity, 
and a dreadful retribution was at hand. Mahomet II. invested 
Constantinople with a large army, and the city was taken by 
assault May 29, 1453. Thus perished the Eastern empire, and 
the advance of the Turks created the gravest apprehension 
throughout Christendom. 

Pope Calixtus III. ordered that the bells of all the 
churches should be rung at noon to remind the faithful to pray 
for the safety of Christendom. Indulgences were granted to 
those who at the sound of the bells should recite once the Lord's 
prayer and the Angelical Salutation. Such was the origin of 
the beautiful devotion of the Angelus. 

HISTORICAL EVENTS. 

In 1429, Joan of Arc, commonly known as the Maid of 

Orleans, having taken command of the French army, forced the 
English to raise the siege of Orleans. This success she followed 
up until the English were forced to abandon all their conquests 
in France, retaining only the town of Calais. They took a 
most unworthy revenge by condemning Joan, who had fallen 
into their hands, to be burned at the stake. 

England was for many years distracted by a civil contest 
generally knowm as the War of the Roses. 

What was effected by the Council of Florence ? How did the 
Greeks fill up the measure of their iniquity ? What punishment 
was at hand ? What was the origin of the devotion of the Angelus ? 
What was effected by Joan of Arc ? 



THE REFORMATION. 2fil 

The art of printing was invented by Guttenberg a. d. 
1440. The discovery of America A. d. 1492 was perhaps the 
most important event of this century. The conquest of Granada 
in the same year established the power of the Christian sover- 
eigns, for the first time, over the whole of the Spanish peninsula. 



SIXTEENTH CEISTTUKY. 

THE REFORMATION. 

I^HE great Apo§tacy ? improperly so called, commenced 
in Germany with the preaching of Martin Luther, an 
Augustinian monk. Many causes prepared the way for the 
introduction of heresy. Notwithstanding every effort of the 
Popes, the German emperors exercised, in too many instances, 
their pretended right of appointing bishops. They naturally 
chose men devoted to their interests, courtly ecclesiastics, who 
had no care except to enjoy the revenues of the Church they 
dishonored. These prelates gave, and sometimes even sold 
parishes and livings to priests about whose merits they neither 
knew nor cared. 

Mot content with corrupting the secular clergy, the 
emperors deprived the great monasteries of the right of electing 
their abbots. This dignity was given to priests, and even lay- 
men, who in many instances never saw the religious houses they 
were supposed to govern. They named some monk to direct 
the monastery, and contented themselves with drawing the 
revenues; but the state of discipline resulting may be easily 
imagined. A great source of charity was also turned aside, as 
the monasteries whose resources were thus exhausted could no 

Name some of the principal events of this century? How did 

this great apostacy begin ? How was the way prepared for the 
introduction of heresy ? 



262 CHURCH HISTORY. 

longer come to the aid of the suffering peasantry. These evils 
reached a greater height in Germany than elsewhere, although 
even in this country, there were very many bishops and priests 
w T orthy of their high calling. 

Liiitlier was appointed by his superior to preach against 
some abuses connected with the publication of a great in- 
dulgence. Not satisfied with this, he soon began to declaim 
against indulgences in any form, the Seven Sacraments, and 
many practices of the Catholic religion. Gifted with a coarse 
and ready wit, unbounded audacity, and natural eloquence, 
it is not surprising that Luther gained many partisans. He 
expressed himself at first willing to submit to the decision of 
the Pope. This pretence he soon laid aside, and when Leo X. 
condemned his writings, and excommunicated himself, there 
was no more talk of obedience. He attacked the Pontiff in 
language of the coarsest invective, calling him Antichrist, etc. 
The Diet of Worms, presided over by Charles V., placed Luther 
under the ban of the empire, but he took refuge with his. friend 
the Elector of Saxony, and continued to encourage his fol- 
lowers by word and writing. 

PUBLIC DISTURBANCES. — REVOLT OF THE PEASANTS. — SIEGE OF 

MUNSTER. 

WSaile Lutliei* tried to preserve some appearance of mod- 
eration in order to gain the princes of the empire, others were 
stirring up the people to the wildest excesses. Churches were 
broken open, images, altars, and confessionals were destroyed, 
and the madness soon spread to the provinces. The peasantry, 
neglected by the clergy and trampled on by the nobles, listened 
eagerly to the new teachers, who declaimed of liberty and 
equality, and proclaimed that the authority of princes and 

Relate the commencement of Luther's career. What did he do 
when condemned at Worms? What was the conduct of his fol- 
lowers ? Relate the revolt of the peasants. 



JOHN OF LEYDEN. 263 

magistrates was a sinful usurpation. The result was a general 
revolt. Swabia, Thuringki, and the country along the Rhine 
was wasted with fire and sword. Churches, monasteries, and 
castles were everywhere destroyed, and their inmates ruthlessly 
murdered. 

The insurrection was only suppressed after 100,000 of 
the misguided peasants had perished by the sword. 

A tailor of Harlem, generally known as John of Leyden, at 
the head of an armed body of Anabaptists, seized the city of 
Minister, committing the most frightful excesses. When the 
city was besieged by the Landgrave of Hesse, these unhappy 
fanatics defended it with the most desperate courage. It was 
death to speak of surrender, and John of Leyden beheaded one 
of his thirteen wives in the market-place, for having expressed 
a doubt of his divine mission. The gates were, nevertheless, 
opened to the Landgrave, and the leaders perished on the 
scaffold. 

It xvould be impossible to mention in detail the troubles 
excited by the new doctrines, not only in Germany, but in 
Switzerland, the Low Countries and elsewhere. The emperor 
Charles V. strove to check the progress of heresy, but some- 
times yielded too much to the Protestant princes. The so-called 
reformers on the other hand, courted their protection by the 
most abject concessions. 

JLuihev had married Catherine de Boren, an apostate 
nun ; his example was followed by others, and the most lax 
morality soon prevailed. The new apostles were, notwith- 
standing, somewhat disconcerted when the Landgrave of Hesse 
applied for permission to have two wives. It was impossible 
to offend so powerful a protector, and the desired authorization 
was given in writing. This curious document, bearing the sig- 
nature of Luther, Melancthon, and others, is still in existence. 

The name Protestant was first applied to certain of the 

Relate the siege of Munster. What do you say of the morality 
of the reformers ? What permission did they grant ? 



264 CPIURCH HISTORY. 

reformed leaders, who met at Smalkald, and signed a protest 
against the proceedings of the Diet of Augsburg. 

ENGLAND SEPARATED FROM THE HOLY SEE. 

Henry VIII. had in the beginning of these troubles 
shown the utmost abhorrence of the new doctrines. He had 
even written a book in defence of the Seven Sacraments, for 
which act of zeal the Pope bestowed upon him the title of 
Defender of the Faith. Later, however, when he wished to 
divorce his lawful wife, Catherine of Arragon, to marry Anne 
Boleyn, the Pope refused absolutely to sanction such a pro- 
ceeding. Henry persevered in his purpose, and Catherine was 
divorced a. d. 1533. Of his subsequent marriages it is unneces- 
sary to speak. 

Tiie king next determined to throw off all allegiance to 
the Holy See, and declared himself head of the Church. In 
1535, the great Chancellor Thomas More and Bishop Fisher 
were sent to the scaffold for refusing to take the new oath of 
supremacy* 

Tiie de§trtieti©n of the religious houses soon followed. 
In the course of a few years 645 monasteries, 90 colleges and 
110 hospitals were suppressed, the buildings being for the most 
part destroyed, or given to royal favorites. The Abbey lands 
were sold or exchanged, and the gold and silver vessels of the 
altar, the crucifixes, etc., were seized and melted down, 

Tliese violent acts were accompanied by a cruel persecu- 
tion. It was a cajrital offence to deny the king's supremacy, 
and though some of the bishops and clergy failed under the 
trial, there were also many who suffered gloriously for conscience 
sake. In the reign of Henry there were condemned to death 

Where did the name Protestant originate? How was England 
separated from the Holy See? What martyrs suffered 1535? 
What is said of the suppression of the religious houses ? Of the 
persecution ? 



REFOEMATION IN ENGLAND. 205 

for religious causes only: 2 archbishops, 18 bishops, 13 abbots, 
500 priors and monks, a number of the secular clergy, and 
many of the laity of both sexes. 

Edward VI., son of Henry, reigned but a short time ; he 
was succeeded by Mary the daughter of Catharine of Arragou. 
During a reign of five years, this princess left nothing undone to 
restore the Catholic worship throughout the kingdom. Like 
every sovereign of that age, she considered heresy a capital crime, 
and although the number actually executed for this cause was 
small, she has been held up to posterity as a monster of cruelty 
under the vulgar title of u Bloody Mary." Cobbett, a Protestant 
historian, says : u The executions ordered during the reign of 
Mary, in virtue of existing laws, generally reached a set of most 
wicked wretches, who sought to destroy the queen and her 
government, and, under the pretence of freedom of conscience, 
to obtain the means of again preying on the people." 

Elizabeth, the daughter of Anne Boleyn, succeeded to the 
throne A. D. 1558. This princess was probably either indiffer- 
ent on the subject of religion, or inclined to Catholicity. Policy, 
however, led her to favor the reformed party. The marriage 
of her mother could never be acknowledged by the Church ; 
hence her claim to the throne might be disputed on the ground 
of her illegitimacy. She lost no time, therefore, in assuming the 
title of Head of the Church, and restoring the Protestant ritual 
as it had been established by Edward VI. 

The English people were still attached to the ancient 
faith, and it was only by a persecution continued during the 
entire reign of Elizabeth, that she succeeded in suppressing the 
Catholic worship. Death was decreed against any priest found 
in the realm, against any one harboring a priest or hearing mass. 
Some records have been obtained of the executions which 
took place during the last thirty-two years of her reign. On 

Who reigned after Henry? What does Cobbett say of those 
who suffered death under Mary? Why did Elizabeth favor the 
reformers ? Did the English people abandon the faith willingly ? 



266 CHURCH HISTORY. 

this list, which is far from perfect, we find one hundred and 
thirty-six priests, and forty-four of the laity, both men and 
women. Of the greater number who suffered torture, or died in 
prison, it is impossible to make any estimate. 

Tliese measures were at length effectual. With the com- 
mon people, ignorance did its own work. They gradually came 
to believe the calumnies which they heard unceasingly from the 
pulpit, and the very traditions of the old faith died out from 
among them. The wretched English pauper who sees, from the 
window of his workhouse, the ruins of some ancient abbey, little 
dreams how large a share the men who made the ruin had in 
causing his misery and degradation. He does not know that 
when the stately abbey occupied the place now cumbered by 
those mouldering stones, England had no workhouses, no poor- 
laws. The Gospel of Christian charity sufficed, and the poverty 
now treated as a crime, was relieved with tender sympathy. 
The monks were proverbially easy landlords, and their revenues 
were spent among the people, and for their benefit. 

FRANCE. 

In this country the new doctrines were introduced by the 
disciples of John Calvin, one of the most violent and fanatical 
of the reformers. The Huguenots, as the French Protestants 
were called, increased in power, being protected by the Prince 
of Conde and the king of Navarre. Civil troubles arose ; Eliza- 
beth of England encouraged the Huguenots in secret, and France 
saw the beginning of the religious wars which were to desolate 
the realm during half a century. 

ITALY. 

Tlie doctrines of Luther were never received in this 
country. Leo X., who occupied the pontifical throne at the be- 

Did many Catholics suffer in her reign ? Were these measures 
effectual ? What do you say of the Reformation in France? Were 
the doctrines of Luther ever received in Italy ? 






COUNCIL OF TRENT. 267 

ginning of these troubles, was a man of unblemished life, and 
illustrious as a patron of art and letters. Whether he met the 
dangers threatening the Church with sufficient promptitude it is 
difficult to say. Under his successor, Clement VII., the Eternal 
City underwent the most terrible calamities. The Constable 
de Bourbon led an army composed principally of Lutherans 
through Italy ; took Rome by assault, and gave the city up to 
a general pillage. It is said that the actrocities committed by 
the soldiery exceeded all that history records of the barbarous 
legions of Alaric or Genseric. 

A. I>. 1540 Pope Paul EI. gave his solemn approbation to 
a new order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, which has since 
become illustrious as the Society of Jesus. 

COUNCIL OF TRENT. 

From the beginning of the religious troubles the sov- 
ereign Pontiffs felt that a General Council was necessary. The 
Catholic princes were of the same opinion, but such was the 
troubled state of Europe that it was only in 1545 that the 
council held its first session at Trent. 

The task before the Council was immense, as there was 
not a single doctrine which was not assailed by some one of 
the new sects. The necessity of a thorough reform in discipline 
was also evident, and the Catholic princes, who had caused so 
much of the existing troubles by their interference in Church 
matters, raised difficulties at every step. From these causes, 
and the movements of hostile armies, the deliberations were 
frequently interrupted, so that the sessions of the Council were 
protracted over a period of eighteen years under six ditferent 
Popes. 

God wa tehed visibly over the work of this great assembly. 

What calamity marked the reign of Clement VII. ? Where and 
when did the eighteenth General Council meet? What did it 
effect ? 



268 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Every dogma was clearly defined, and such wise measures were 
taken to bring about a peaceful but thorough reform in the 
hierarchy, the inferior clergy and the monastic orders, that the 
Church entered on a new and happier era. 

PROGRESS OF RELIGION. 

Ill the newly conquered regions of the new world the 
Dominicans and Franciscans were laboring with devoted zeal 
for the conversion of the natives. The natural obstacles pre- 
sented by the ignorance and superstition of the heathen, were 
increased a hundredfold by the bad example given to the poor 
natives by the Spanish and Portuguese colonists. A vast pro- 
portion of these men were soldiers of fortune, needy adventurers, 
or criminals ; and among their leaders were many turbulent spirits 
whom the Spanish sovereigns were well pleased to employ at a 
safe distance. We must add to these circumstances the cor- 
rupting influences of rapidly acquired wealth, and a climate 
so enervating that the strongest motives were hardly sufficient 
to stimulate the European settlers to any species of industry. 
We must take these things into account when we hear con- 
clusions unfavorable to the Catholic Church drawn from the 
prosperity of Northern America, and the wretched condition of 
the Spanish settlements. The exiles who landed on Plymouth 
roc!:, found a land which afforded the necessaries of life only as 
the reward of incessant toil. There were no gold mines to 
attract rovers greedy of spoil; no effeminate natives to reduce 
to slavery. Not that the first settlers of New England and 
Virginia can be cleared of the charge of cruelty towards the 
poor natives ; their own annals furnish abundant proof of the 
contrary. We meet indeed, in the history of these colonies, 
instances of unprovoked cruelty sufficiently numerous to show, 

With what difficulties had the missionaries in America to con- 
tend? How do you account for the greater prosperity of the North 
American settlement ? 



HISTORICAL EVENTS. 269 

that under similar circumstances, and with the same tempta- 
tions, they would have been guilty of all the excesses which 
disgraced the memory of the Spanish settlers. Of the nations 
which sent out colonies to the new world, France only has had 
no cause to blush for her children. Whether in Acadia, in the 
Canadas, or the far West, the conduct of the French settlers 
towards the natives was worthy of all praise. 

The great Bishop Las Casas w T as, during a public career 
of sixty years, the fearless champion of the poor natives. The 
Spanish sovereigns supported his efforts, which were, however, 
constantly thwarted by the rapacity of the colonists ; and com- 
plaints which took such a weary time to reach the royal ear, 
generally came too late to be effectual. 

Notwithstanding all these discouraging circumstances, 
the missionaries gained a multitude of souls to Christ ; and 
when the sons of St. Ignatius joined their ranks the conversion 
of the natives was undertaken in a more organized manner. The 
Church was meanwhile consoled by the conversions wrought in 
the East by St. Francis Xavier, one of the first companions of 
St. Ignatius. This great missionary enjoyed the gift of tongues; 
he raised the dead to .life, and his miracles recalled the wonders 
of the Apostolic age. 

This period is so crowded with great events that we can 
only name those w T hich have a less direct bearing on religion. 
Mexico was conquered in 1523 by Hernando Cortez. Peru was 
subdued the following year by the arms of Francisco Pizarro. 
The defeat of the Turks in the great naval battle of Lepanto, 
a. d. 1571, freed Christian Europe from the gravest apprehen- 
sions. A. D. 1587 was marked by the execution of Mary Queen 
of Scots. The following year a great naval expedition was 
fitted out by the Spanish king Philip II. for the invasion of 
England. This squadron, called the Invincible Armada, was 

What nation acted with justice towards the natives? What 
great missionary labored in the East? Enumerate some of the 
leading events of the century. 



270 CHURCH HISTORY. 

partly dispersed by storms, partly defeated by the English 
navy. 



SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 

ENGLAIO). 

THE death of Elizabeth, a. d. 1603, raised hopes 
among the English Catholics which were not destined to 
be fulfilled. James I., son of Mary Queen of Scots, who suc- 
ceeded her, was favorably inclined regarding toleration and 
freedom of worship. He had, before his accession, made promises 
which were soon forgotten when he found that any fa*vor shown 
the Catholics would involve him in a dangerous struggle with 
his parliament. There were fewer executions under this reign, 
but the Catholics were perpetually harassed by fines, imprison- 
ment, and other vexations. 

Wliile the great body of the faithful bore these sufferings 
with exemplary patience, a few desperate men determined on 
effecting a change, and planned to blow up the Parliament 
House, involving in one destruction, king, lords, and commons. 
This plot, equally wild and wicked, w 7 as fortunately discovered. 
Guy Fawkes and others suffered the penalty of their crime, and 
suspicion fell upon a number of innocent persons. It has been 
proved that at no time w^ere there more than nine jDersons 
engaged in the conspiracy, which was most unjustly charged 
upon the great body of the Catholics. 

The persecution continued under Charles L, w T ho came 
to the throne A. d. 1625. On the restoration of Charles II. the 
hopes of the Catholics were again disappointed. This weak 
and profligate prince feared to enter into any contention with 

What hopes were excited by the death of Elizabeth ? What 
conspiracy was formed? With what result? Did Charles I. grant 
toleration ? 



WILLIAM OF ORANGE. 271 

the Protestant party, and permitted their leaders to treat the 
Catholics with cruel injustice. 

Titus Oaics, a man of infamous character, pretended to 
discover a Catholic plot, having for its end the assassination of 
the king, etc., etc. This man contradicted himself at every 
step, and the king was perfectly well aware that the whole 
story was a fabrication. He sanctioned, nevertheless, the exe- 
cution of the venerable Viscount Stafford, and seventeen others, 
priests and laymen, against whom there was not a particle of 
evidence. 

Charles was received into the Church on his death-bed. 
His brother James, duke of York, who succeeded him, had been 
for many years a Catholic. He proclaimed freedom of worship, 
and strove to establish a perfect equality between his Protestant 
and Catholic subjects. Reasonable as this appears, it excited 
the greatest indignation, and the king did not possess either 
the judgment or prudence necessary to conciliate the people. 
Under these circumstances, his son-in-law, William of Orange, 
found but little difficulty in gaining a strong party in the king- 
dom. Encouraged by the Protestant leaders, the prince landed 
in England, and claimed the throne in right of his wife, the 
princess Mary. James was deserted by all, and losing courage, 
fled from the kingdom. 

The king had permitted his daughters, Mary and Anne, 
to be educated Protestants from motives of policy, and to satisfy 
his brother, King Charles. In their unnatural conduct, he 
must have recognized a just judgment for this unworthy com- 
pliance. 

Ireland remained faithful to James, but his defeat in the 
battle of the Boyne, 1690, put an end to all his hopes, and 
aggravated still further the sufferings of that unhappy people. 

What was the character of Charles II., and what course did he 
pursue? What did James II. attempt? Who claimed the throne? 
What is said of the daughters of James? In what battle was he 
defeated ? 



272 CHURCH HISTORY. 



IRELAND. 

©wring tlie reign of Elizabeth, the native chieftains were 
still powerful enough to make a formidable resistance, but 
the English forces generally prevailed. The cruelties which 
marked this long struggle are almost without a parallel in 
history. Churches and monasteries were destroyed, and priests 
and religious, hunted down like wild beasts, were tortured and 
put to death, without the slightest form of accusation or trial. 

The work of destruction w T as carried on under Cromwell 
in the most systematic manner, and the almost countless ruins of 
churches, abbeys, and colleges still bear witness to the manner 
in w 7 hich learning and religion once flourished in the island. 

GERMANY. 

Tliis country was desolated from a. d. 1618 to .1648 by a 
contest generally known as the Thirty Years War. The motives 
of this contest were, in part, political; it may nevertheless be 
considered in great part as a religious war. Cardinal Richelieu, 
minister of Louis XIIL in his desire to w 7 eaken the power of the 
house of Austria, did not hesitate to strengthen the Protestant 
party. The treaty of Westphalia, signed 1648, was humiliating 
for Austria, and fatal to Catholic interests in Germany. France 
received as her share of the spoils, Metz, Toul, Verdun, Alsace, 
in part the same territory w 7 hich she w 7 as obliged to surrender 
to Germany after the late war. 

FRANCE. 

Tlie Cliurcli of France was disturbed by the Jansenist 
heresy, so called from its founder Jansenius. Among their chief 

What was the state of Ireland under Elizabeth ? What did the 
people suffer under Cromwell ? What do you say of the Thirty 
Years War and its results? 



PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. 273 

errors were the propositions that Christ did not die for all men, 
but only for the elect, and that some of the commandments are 
in their nature impossible to be observed. These, and other 
errors, were condemned by Clement X. A. D. 1653, but the 
heresy continued to afflict the Church for many years. 

Louis XftV. engaged in a contest with the Holy See which, 
though carried on with all outward show of respect, had the 
most unhappy consequences, and gave rise to what is known as 
the Gallican party, whose object was to curtail as far as possible 
the authority of the Holy See. 

At the close of the religious wars in the reign of Henry IV., 
that sovereign granted to the Huguenots, by an instrument 
known as the Edict of Nantes, not only full liberty of worship, 
but many extraordinary privileges. These they afterwards 
abused to the prejudice of the royal authority, and the general 
welfare of the kingdom. Louis XIV., not content with retrench- 
ing these dangerous concessions, issued a decree appointing 
a certain time within which all Protestants were to enter the 
Catholic Church, or leave the kingdom. Many thousands left 
France ; a still greater number conformed ; some perhaps sin- 
cerely; but it is to be feared that the generality acted, through 
interested motives. It was supposed that although these might 
be insincere, their -offspring would grow up in the Catholic 
faith. This was not likely to be the case ; and it is more than 
probable that the descendants of these unwilling converts con- 
tributed later to swell the ranks of the infidel party in France. 

PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. 

St. Francis Xavier had preached the faith in Japan in 
the 16th century. Other missionaries followed, and such was 
their success that in 1605, the church of Japan numbered 

What do you say of the Jansenist heresy? In what contest did 
Louis XIV. engage? Give an account of the Edict of Nantes and 
its revocation. What is said of Japan ! 



274 CHUKCH niSTORY. 

* 

1,800,000 souls. A terrible persecution broke out at this time; 
the small band of missionaries was soon exterminated ; and the 
strict guard kept on the ports made it impossible for any priest 
to effect a landing. The laity suffered with heroic courage ; but 
they were tortured, burned at the stake, and slaughtered by 
thousands until this flourishing mission was at length extinct, 
literally quenched in blood. 

SAINTS AND FOUNDERS OP RELIGIOUS ORDERS. 

Among many lioly and illustrious personages belonging 
to this century we can only mention St. Francis cle Sales, the 
great bishop of Geneva ; St. Jane de Chantal, foundress of the 
Order of the Visitation ; and St. Vincent de Paul. 

St. Vincent established a congregation of Missionary 
Priests; also a sodality of laymen, whose duty it is to visit the 
sick and poor and provide for their wants temporal and spiri- 
tual. The most important work accomplished by this apostolic 
man was undoubtedly the foundation of the Sisters of Charity, 
now spread through the entire world. 

HISTORICAL EVENTS. 

The Turks effected the conquest of Canclia in 1669; in 
1683, Vienna was besieged by Kara Mustapha, with an army of 
280,000 men ; the suburbs were destroyed, and the fall of the 
city appeared inevitable, when it was happily saved by the arms 
of John Sobieski. Prince Eugene, in 1 697, defeated the Turks 
in the decisive battle of Zenta. Since that period the Ottoman 
empire has not been in a condition to menace Europe, but the 
atrocities committed in Greece, in the early part of the present 
century, may serve to show from what calamities the valor of 
Christian Europe has saved her children. 

What religious Orders were founded ? What conquest did the 
Turks effect, and what defeats did they suffer ? 



SUPPRESSION OF THE JESUITS. 275 



EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 

FRANCE. 

LOUIS XEV. died 1715, leaving his crown to bis great- 
* grandson Louis XV., then live years of age. The regency 
was entrusted to the duke of Orleans, a most profligate prince. 
Under his administration all the evils which afflicted France, 
developed unchecked. The infidel party constantly gained 
strength, and the scandals of the Court excited the contempt 
and indignation of the people. The country, exhausted by the 
long and expensive wars of Louis XIV., was on the verge of 
bankruptcy. 

When Louis XV. assumed the government there was no 
improvement, as all affairs of state were abandoned to corrupt 
ministers, while the king gave himself up to a life of pleasure 
and dissipation. 

SUPPRESSION OF THE JESUITS. 

The thrones of France, Spain, Portugal, Naples, and the 
duchy of Parma were held by Bourbon sovereigns united for 
political motives in an alliance known as the " Family Compact." 
The ministers who governed for these weak princes : Choiseul 
in France, d' Aran da in Spain, and Pombal in Portugal, made 
use of their power to effect the destruction of the Jesuits. They 
regarded them with aversion as the strongest champions of 
religion, and still more for the manner in which they upheld the 
rights of the Holy See. It is impossible to give any detailed 
account of the crimes by which this purpose* was effected. The 



What was the state of France during the early part of this 
century? What is sakl of the Bourbon princes? What did their 
ministers resolve to do? 



276 CHURCH HISTORY, 

flourishing missions established by the fathers in South America 
and the East were broken up, and the missionaries themselves 
were brought back to Europe to be treated as common felons. 
Pombal, the Portuguese minister, cast them by thousands into 
loathsome dungeons, where they were left to perish ; others, 
more happy, died by the hand of the executioner. In 1761, all 
Europe was thrilled with horror wSen the venerable Father 
Malagrida, the Portuguese provincial, was accused on the 
most frivolous charges* and burned at the stake in the city of 
Lisbon. 

The sovereign Pontiffs had endeavored in vain to 
defend the Jesuits. Clement XIV. was persuaded that their 
suppression was necessary to restore peace, and he signed a. d. 
1773 a decree by which the Company of Jesus was abolished, 
its members being reduced to the rank of secular priests. 
Catharine II., empress of Russia, esteemed the Jesuits for their 
learning, and a great number found an asylum under her protec- 
tion. When the Society of Jesus was restored by Pius VII., 
there were still some of these venerable men remaining to rejoice 
in the happy event. 

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. 

This great political convulsion commenced in the year 
1789 with the meeting of the States-General. The infidel party 
increased each day, and some new attack on religion followed 
every triumph which they gained over the moderate party. The 
property of the Church was confiscated to the use of the nation, 
marriage was declared simply a civil act, and finally every 
priest was required to take an oath declaring his adhesion to 
the civil constitution. The greater part refused, although at 
the cost of exile, imprisonment, or death. Those who yielded 

What do you say of the treatment of the Jesuits? Where did 
some find an asylum ? What did the infidel party effect against 
religion ? Who were the constitutional priests ? 



NAPOLEON EON AP ARTE. 277 

were known as " Constitutional priests," and the faithful gen- 
erally refused to hold any communication with them. 

The horrors of this great convulsion, which plunged all 
Europe in war cannot find a place in this little summary; we 
will only speak of those events in which the Church was directly 
concerned. Pius VI. having refused to surrender the states of 
the Church, was made prisoner by order of the French Directory, 
and conveyed, without any of the consideration due to his 
great age and exalted rank, to Valence in France. The faith 
of the people was roused by the presence of the Pontiff, and 
their sympathy was so open that it was decided to remove him 
to Dijon. It was too late; worn out by the fatigues he had 
undergone, Pius VI. expired August 29, 1799. It was hoped 
and believed that the election of a successor would be im- 
possible, but the infidel party were doomed to disapp ointment. 
A competent number of Cardinals assembled at Venice, and 
held a regular election, the new Pontiff taking the name of 
Pius VII. 

Wlien Napoleon Bonaparte found himself master of 
France under the title of First Consul, he applied himself to 
restore order, and to heal the wounds inflicted by so many years 
of anarchy and bloodshed. The restoration of religion was, he 
judged, the first condition for a lasting peace. This conviction 
the young conqueror followed up with characteristic energy, 
but it needed all his power to enforce respect and obedience 
when, on the 18th day of June, four days after the battle of 
Marengo, he commanded the attendance of his officers at a 
solemn Te Deum in the Cathedral of Milan. 

Negotiations with the Holy See were immediately com- 
menced, but there was much difficulty in coming to an under- 
standing. Pius VII. made every concession possible, and a 

What can you relate of Pius VI. ? Where was the new Pope 
elected? What did the First Consul resolve to do? How did he 
commence? How and when was the signing of the Concordat cele- 
brated ? 



278 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Concordat was at length signed. On Easter Day, 1802, the 
reconciliation of France with the Holy See and with the 
Christian Church was celebrated by a solemn service in the 
Church of Notre Dame. 

How well it would have been had Napoleon, reading his 
true destiny, followed up this great act by showing himself the 
protector of the Church, and the defender of her rights, and 
how different might have been the career which Divine Provi- 
dence had opened before him ! Blinded by ambition, he passed 
from one usurpation to another, until he added the patrimony 
of St. Peter to his vast dominions, and laid sacrilegious hands 
on the Vicar of Christ. Then the world beheld with awe that 
terrible retribution, which followed the hitherto invincible con- 
queror from the frozen steppes of Russia and the disastrous 
field of Waterloo, to the barren rocks of St. Helena. There in 
his dying hour he solicited and received the consolations of the 
Church he had oppressed, and the parting blessing of the Pon- 
tiff he had so deeply injured. 

IRELAND. 

TSic persecution of the Irish Catholics was but little 
abated during this century, and the unsuccessful rebellion 
of 1798 increased their sufferings. The independence of the 
American colonies offered them an asylum, and the emigration 
brought about by tyranny and persecution has been the means 
under Providence of advancing the interests of the Church in 
the new world. 

CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

TliC limits of this little book render it impossible to glance 
ever so briefly at the history of the Church in the 19th century, 
so crowded with great events. These are more or less familiar 

What reflections maybe made on Napoleon's subsequent career? 
What is said of Ireland and the emigration? 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 



279 



to all, being a part of the political history of an age of disturb- 
ance and revolution. Catholics may grieve at the present trials 
of the Holy See, but their faith in the divine promises remains 
unchanged, and they know that the August Vicar of Jesus 
Christ and the Church which he has been called to govern, will 
rise triumphant from the present struggle as from those which 
have preceded. 



What is said of the nineteenth century ? 









i^ 



